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.