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FSS launches TV drama probe
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April 10, 2008
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Korea’s antitrust agency has begun a probe into TV drama producers’ claims that network TV stations have monopolized intellectual property rights for TV dramas. “We finished a preliminary review of the drama producers’ petition and started verifying facts,” said an official at the Fair Trade Commission who wished to remain anonymous. The FTC requested related information from the TV networks, the official said.
The Corea Drama Production Association, which represents 41 local production companies, brought the case to the FTC in February and accused three networks — KBS, MBC and SBS — of monopolizing the rights. The association also charged that the networks attracted sponsorships via secret contracts with producers.
The drama association stated that the rights to the dramas should belong to those who made creative and financial contributions to the productions, but that the networks have abused market dominance and unilaterally kept the rights.
“It is too early to judge whether we will press charges against the networks,” the official said. “The case was brought to the FTC, and we need to see whether the claims are true or not.”
By Limb Jae-un Staff Reporter [jbiz91@joongang.co.kr] |
