From February to March 2020, JASRAC will implement a demonstration experiment on registration and sharing of musical works information using blockchain.

Since blockchain, as a distributed data store utilizing cryptographic technology, enables data distribution in an open and secure environment and can guarantee the content and existence of data among multiple stakeholders, it is expected to be utilized in music copyright management. In fiscal 2018, we verified the utilization of blockchain in managing the transaction records of copyright royalties.

Since October 2019, we have been conducting verification of blockchain with the aim of increasing both the quality and quantity of remuneration to right holders (distribution of royalties) by increasing the reliability of data related to musical works information and improving the transparency and efficiency of distribution processes. As part of this, from February 17 to March 13, 2020, we will invite right holders (music publishers) who entrust the management of copyright to JASRAC to conduct demonstration experiments.

The overview is as follows:

　1　 Proof of existence

　　　Develop blockchain infrastructure and web applications that can record digital content hash values, creator ID,
　　　and time certificate for each musical work (assuming that authors and music publishers use them)

　2　 Efficient development of metadata

　　　Addition of metadata to information on musical works recorded in 1 above (All information is historically managed)

　3　 Information sharing and business process efficiencies

　　　Authority to browse and add information of musical works held by the rightholders in accordance with 1 and 2 above
　　　 by designating other blockchain participants

※ It is assumed that the various application procedures to JASRAC will be simplified by granting browsing authority to JASRAC through the three functions as described above.

JASRAC plan to verify the use of this technology in other management operations based on the results of this demonstration experiment in the future.

JASRAC will continue to strive for the development of the music industry and music culture by increasing the efficiency of management through the verification and utilization of advanced technologies including blockchain technology to improve the reliability and transparency of music copyright management and the quality and quantity of remuneration (distribution of royalties) to rights holders such as authors, composers and music publishers.