Unauthorized Music Licensing Body, ECCO, Banned from Operating in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis has taken decisive action against the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO), declaring its operations within the Federation unauthorized and illegal. This dramatic move stems from ECCO’s failure to comply with the newly enacted Copyright (Collective Management Organisations) Regulations, which came into effect on December 6, 2024. These regulations mandate that all Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) operating within the country obtain prior authorization from the Intellectual Property Office of Saint Kitts and Nevis (IPOSKN). Despite a five-month grace period and ample opportunity to comply, ECCO continued to operate without authorization, issuing licenses in direct violation of the law. This defiance has led the Ministry to prohibit ECCO from conducting any further business in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The Ministry’s decision sends a clear message about the importance of adhering to the new regulatory framework governing CMOs. The new regulations underscore a commitment to transparency, accountability, and public protection within the creative industry. They require CMOs to submit comprehensive legal, financial, and operational reports, all of which are subject to public scrutiny. This measure allows for greater transparency and empowers citizens to engage in the oversight of CMO activities. The public is encouraged to submit written reports concerning the conduct of CMOs, fostering a collaborative approach to ensuring compliance and ethical practices within the industry.

ECCO, a long-standing organization responsible for collecting and distributing royalties for musicians and composers, now finds itself operating outside the legal framework in St. Kitts and Nevis. The Ministry’s declaration that ECCO’s activities are unauthorized has significant implications for the local and regional creative landscape. The move effectively nullifies any licenses issued by ECCO after the December 10, 2024 deadline, rendering them invalid. Individuals and businesses holding such licenses are urged to report them to the IPOSKN immediately. The Ministry has advised all persons and businesses to cease any and all engagement with ECCO and any other unauthorized CMOs to avoid legal complications.

This decisive action underscores the government’s commitment to establishing a regulated and transparent environment for copyright management. By enforcing the new regulations, the Ministry aims to protect the rights of creators and ensure a fair and equitable system for the collection and distribution of royalties. The move also signals a broader shift towards greater accountability within the creative industry, emphasizing the need for all stakeholders to operate within the established legal framework. The government is determined to maintain the integrity of the copyright system and ensure that all CMOs adhere to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

The ramifications of this decision are far-reaching. For the creative industry in St. Kitts and Nevis, the message is unambiguous: compliance with the law is non-negotiable. The Ministry’s firm stance establishes a precedent, emphasizing that operating outside the regulatory framework will not be tolerated. This action also serves as a cautionary tale for other CMOs operating in the region, highlighting the importance of proactively engaging with regulatory bodies and ensuring compliance with local laws. The move reinforces the government’s dedication to fostering a sustainable and ethical creative ecosystem, where the rights of creators are protected and the industry operates with transparency and accountability.

The relocation of the IPOSKN to the top floor of Independence House on North Independence Square Street, Basseterre, effective June 2, 2025, further solidifies the government’s commitment to strengthening its intellectual property infrastructure. This move symbolizes the importance of intellectual property rights and provides a centralized location for managing and overseeing CMO activities. The new office space will facilitate improved access to resources and support for stakeholders in the creative industry, streamlining processes and fostering greater collaboration between the government and the creative community. This action further emphasizes the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving and legally sound environment for the creative sector in St. Kitts and Nevis.