The UK Copyright Directorate yesterday launched a consultation
on the implementation of the EU Copyright Directive into UK law.
The Directive on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright
and related rights in the information society entered into force on
22nd July 2001 and Member States are required to transpose it into
domestic law by December 2002.
The consultation will determine the exact amendments that are
required to be made to UK law to ensure compliance with the
Directive but will not be “concerned with major new rights or
extensions to protection”. The current UK legislation will be
amended by regulations, which will broadly provide for:
- the introduction of performers’ exclusive rights regarding
on-demand transmissions of recordings of performances;
- rules to comply with the system of compulsory and permitted
exceptions;
- more comprehensive legal protection for technological
systems;
- new rules for the legal protection of rights management
systems; and
- amendments to current sanctions and remedies.
Although the consultation is directed primarily at organisations
representing copyright owners, creators, consumers and users of
protected works, and on-line service or network providers, the
Patent Office is inviting responses from all interested
parties.
The consultation period will close on 31st October 2002.
