Internet Governance Forum: Embarking On Post-IANA Transition And Taking On Trade 12/12/2016 by Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The first edition of the renewed Internet Governance Forum (IGF) last week tried its all not to become just another internet governance conference, with new formats and the taking on of one big topic that so far had evaded the “multi-stakeholder” approach: trade negotiations. But it also angered some by making its big dinner an invitation-only event, for governments and friends.
Proposed EU Neighbouring Rights For Press Publishers Detrimental To Authors, CEIPI Says 07/12/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment According to the Centre for International Intellectual Property Studies, the proposed European Commission copyright reform is detrimental to authors’ interests, and contrary to the objective of creating a single digital market.
Support IP-Watch: An Appeal To Readers 06/12/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Intellectual Property Watch needs your financial support. As one of our readers, you know that IP-Watch plays a vital role in international policymaking on intellectual property and innovation through its independent, reliable, balanced and dedicated news coverage. But like other online news services around the world, the challenges of financial sustainability are high. Please help […]
EU Council Agrees To Remove Geo-Blocking Barriers To E-Commerce 28/11/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The European Union Council of member states today agreed on draft regulations to prevent blocking of cross-border e-commerce, but appears to retain copyright restrictions.
Kenya: Collective Management Organisations In Danger After Court Questions Their Role 28/11/2016 by Maina Waruru for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment NAIROBI, Kenya — A ruling this month by a Kenyan court that artists, performers and musicians cannot be compelled or forced to join a collective management organisation (CMO) to collect royalties on their behalf could spell doom for CMOs in the country, experts fear.
New US Copyright Rule Sets Trap For Online Firms 25/11/2016 by Steven Seidenberg for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The US Copyright Office is supposed to balance the interests of copyright owners with the interests of everyone else. However, the Office’s latest regulation, which takes effect 1 December, may be anything but fair and balanced. It could, according to critics, strip Facebook, YouTube, and other online companies of a vital statutory safe harbor, thus making these companies liable when their users post infringing material online. Online companies could face billions in infringement damages, driving them out of business.
ARIPO Members: Collective Management Organisations Need Better Digital Documentation, Licensing 23/11/2016 by Hillary Muheebwa for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Collective management organisations need to embrace online trading platforms, so as to increase earnings for economies and creators. That was the call made during a recent regional workshop on digital licensing and documentation in Harare, Zimbabwe for music collective management organisations (CMOs) by the member states of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).
WIPO Copyright Committee Agrees On Future Work, No Decision On Broadcasting Treaty Deadline 21/11/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The World Intellectual Property Organization committee on copyright agreed on its work for its spring session, which is expected to advance work towards a treaty protecting broadcasting organisations. Discussions on limitations and exceptions to copyright for libraries, archives, education, and research will remain on the agenda. Although some delegations remarked that the agenda is already heavy, they agreed to continue work on resale right for visual artists and copyright in the digital age.
Turning Promises Of Marrakesh Treaty For Visually Impaired Into Reality 21/11/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment With the recent entry into force of the Marrakesh Treaty providing copyright exceptions for persons with visual impairments, a panel convened alongside last week’s World Intellectual Property Organization copyright committee meeting explored ways to transform the treaty’s promises into reality.
Librarians, Archivists, Call On WIPO Members To Create Safe Harbour Against Copyright Liability 18/11/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The age of digitisation has opened new doors to distribution of information including for libraries and archives. However, librarians and archivists are often confronted with risk of liability for copyright infringement, nationally and in cross-border activities. This week, they asked the World Intellectual Property Organization copyright committee to provide them not only with some exceptions to copyright, but with protection against liability.