Declaration of Cooperation
In 2018 it became more and more apparent that the issue of format free trade was under attack. Increasingly, it seems that the global exchange of intellectual property has become weaponized in a larger cultural trade war that threatens our entire industry. Where once you could share drinks and create commerce with friends and strangers in markets large and small, political tensions, conflicting ideologies and overt nationalism has changed the landscape. We see countries intent on expanding their own culture while outright banning others. There is only selling and no buying.
We asked Reed Midem to address this situation at one of their next MIP conference, and to offer a platform for the wider industry to discuss this issue. We hope to share more information on this soon. Meanwhile, to underline our position, the FRAPA General Board has agreed to publish its DECLARATION OF COOPERATION, written by co-chairman Phil Gurin. This document is meant for every stakeholder in the format industry, not just FRAPA members. It attempts to clearly state the principals we hold dear and valuable, and should be passed around to all who share our mission.