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Government to modernise copyright legislation

The Government has launched plans for the modernisation of copyright legislation in a move which the Government hopes will strengthen the UK’s copyright licensing system.

The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill will include clauses to allow access to valuable material that can’t be licensed or used, the implementation of a voluntary regime to extend collective licensing and reduce complexities in the system, as well as the power to introduce statutory codes of conduct for collecting societies if they fail to operate to minimum standards.

Business Minister Norman Lamb said: “It is vital that we make the most of our creative industries, boosting their contribution to the economy while ensuring protection of the rights holders. The copyright licensing system has been behind the times and we need to modernise and make it fit for the 21st century.

The Government has also outlined plans to to introduce a power to implement a recent EU Directive on the term of protection for sound recordings in a way that keeps the UK’s current strong criminal penalties for copyright infringement.

Lamb continued: “The measures we plan to introduce as soon as possible would make it easier for those seeking access to, and use of, copyrighted works.

’Freeing up so-called ‘orphan works’ will allow use of works for the first time, making the most of untapped economic and creative potential.

“Extending licensing arrangements for collective societies, whilst ensuring rights holders are protected, will also help maximise the benefit for the UK’s world-class creative industries.”

The measures have been developed in response to recommendations made under the Hargreaves review of intellectual property. Draft clauses will be published in the near future, and will be to scrutiny as part of the bill’s progress through Parliament.

The Bill forms part of the Government’s wider growth strategy, the Plan for Growth which aims to ensure that the UK is home to a competitive and supportive business environment.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .