CEPIC stands for the Coordination of European Picture Agencies Stock, Press and Heritage. Its goal is to be the centre of the picture industry. CEPIC was established in Berlin in 1993 as a European economic interest group (E.E.I.G) not for profit in accordance with the European Communities Regulation and registered in Paris in 1999. CEPIC has Observer Status at WIPO, the World Intellectual Property Organisation and is an Associate Member of I.P.T.C, the International Press Telecommunications Council. CEPIC represents over 1,000 picture sources in Europe with members from most different European countries.

The aim of CEPIC is to be a united voice for the press, stock & heritage organisations of Europe in all matters pertaining to the photographic industry, including, but not limited to the following:

(1)To consolidate copyright protection for photography and ensure that it not be weakened by the process of the harmonisation of copyright laws in European countries. Also to advise on copyright protection as new technology develops.

(2)To fight for comparable trade regulations in all European countries. The now existing different copyright laws in single countries and the lack of a "droit moral" for photography are serious trade barriers which cannot be accepted.

(3)To support the exchange of information between European picture sources and diverse associations with similar interests worldwide.

(4)To develop and fight for ethical standards which will guarantee the protection of rights for all photographers, copyright holders and agencies.

(5)To develop guidelines for a fair business competition between photographers, picture agencies and users.

CEPIC is registered in Paris at 46 rue de la Mare, 75020 Paris - Registration Nr (SIRET) is 421 723 073 00019.

Offices are situated in Berlin, Germany, Fritschestr. 22, 10585 Berlin (Charlottenburg).

http://www.cepic.org/