Breakthrough Gives EU Principles For Digitising Out-Of-Print Books 20/09/2011 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Key European stakeholders have approved a “ground-breaking” set of principles for digitising and making publicly available out-of-print books and journals. The accord could serve as a template for dealing with the vexing problem of orphan works, those for whom the copyright owner cannot be found, according to International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations CEO Olav Stokkmo.
EU Extends Copyright Protection From 50 To 70 Years 12/09/2011 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch 10 Comments Over the objections of eight countries, ministers from the European Union on Monday extended copyright protection for performers and record producers from 50 to 70 years. The move brought cheers from the recording industry and copyright royalty collecting societies, but doubts from some governments and jeers from a major consumer group.
“Washington Declaration” Demands Return Of Public Interest In IP Rights 10/09/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 5 Comments A new multi-stakeholder declaration demanding that the public interest be returned to intellectual property rights was issued this week and is open for signatures by anyone, already collecting hundreds of supporters. The declaration contains numerous principles and actions, such as restraint in enforcement, open access, and development priorities, that the drafters hope will help change the course of IP policymaking.
Still A Long Way To Go For Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement 08/09/2011 by Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement negotiated last year will be open for signature for two years, until the first of May 2013. But while this looks like a long time, it likely will be needed by the 37 negotiating governments (including the United States, Japan, South Korea and the 27 European Union members) to iron out problems on their way to implementing what some rights owners welcomed as a possible new “gold standard” for the enforcement of intellectual property rights.
IFRRO: Collective Management For Orphan Works 08/09/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO) has submitted comments on the proposed European Union directive on orphan works, which aims to increase legal certainty for use of creative works whose copyright holders cannot be found. The group, which represents collective management organisations, authors and publishers, called for collective management and licensing for orphan works.
US Chamber Urges More IP Protection As Job Booster; Tech Supporters Disagree 07/09/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The United States Chamber of Commerce this week released a letter urging the US government to take a series of steps to boost jobs in America, including passing controversial legislation to allow the US to unilaterally crack down on international websites it deems to be in violation of US intellectual property rights. But not everyone agrees this is the best approach.
US Justice Dept Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against AT&T / T-Mobile Merger 31/08/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The United States Department of Justice today announced it has filed an antitrust lawsuit to block US telecommunications company AT&T from acquiring one of its top rivals, Deutsche Telekom’s T-Mobile. The Justice Department cited likely harm to innovation and consumers as reasons.
UK Copyright Modernisation Effort Picks Up Steam 31/08/2011 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Efforts to modernise Britain’s creaking copyright regime sped up over the summer as the government accepted recommendations for major changes to the system, Parliament opened an inquiry into the matter, and the Intellectual Property Office said updating the rules could significantly boost the UK economy.
Changes At The Top As RIAA Sees “Bright Future” 08/08/2011 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The Recording Industry Association of America today announced that Cary Sherman has been named chairman and CEO amid claims that the music industry is looking up. Sherman takes over for Mitch Bainwol, who resigned to become CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
Promoting Caribbean Intellectual Property Law 08/08/2011 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Across the world, the Caribbean is renowned for its unique flavors in music and entertainment, its beaches, cricket, and its commonly acclaimed fun and sun. While these are well-deserved, and are sources of just pride, this common perception provides foliage which bars the examination and explanation of the real problems and needs in intellectual property in the Caribbean, writes attorney Abiola Inniss.