IPO Seeks Input on Rights Clearance System
03 December 2012
The United Kingdom’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is asking whether laws on copyright exceptions and the current system for rights clearance are too complicated. A consultation on reforming the regime was published in December and reported by Pinsent Masons through its Out-Law News service.
Four questions have been put forward to stimulate debate on the creative industries, including questions as to whether the current system is too complex, in particular in relation to the licensing of rights, rights clearance and copyright exceptions; does the current copyright system provide the right incentives to sustain investment and support creativity; does the current system provide the right balance between commercial certainty and the rights of creators and creative artist; and what action, if any, is needed to address issues related issues related to authentication.
Pinsent Masons notes that the IPO does not make any recommendations in its consultation paper. The IPO said that it is seeking input from key players in the creative industries as well as from the public.
“I recognise that the UK copyright system needs to support our creative industries and all those involved in ensuring our future economic prosperity and competitiveness,” said David Lammy, Minister of State for Intellectual Property and Higher Education, speaking at the launch in London.
Responses to the consultation should be sent to the IPO by February 6.
