UK-IPO response to the
European Commission's proposal to extend the term of
copyright protection
UK INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY OFFICE News Release issued by The Government News Network
on 18 July 2008
The UK-IPO today
responded to the European Commission's proposal to extend the
term of copyright protection for sound recordings from 50 to 95 years.
Additional measures in the Directive include a proposal that
record producers set aside 20% of all revenues for a fund for
session artists. A 'use it or lose' it clause should
enable performers to regain the rights in recordings over 50 years
old which are no longer available commercially. There is also a
proposal to align the term of protection for the music and lyrics
which together make a musical composition.
Minister of Intellectual Property Baroness Delyth Morgan said,
"Because copyright represents a monopoly we need to be very
clear that the circumstances justify an extension. We will
therefore need to consider these proposals carefully to understand
how they would work and what the benefits are likely to be. I
would like to hear what the public thinks about this and would
urge all those who have an interest in these proposals to make
sure their voice is heard and to contact the UK-IPO by the end of August."
The Gowers Review of Intellectual Property, an independent
government commissioned review, recommended against an extension
of copyright term. Evidence suggested that extending the term of
protection would negatively impact on consumers and industry.
Editor's notes
* Andrew Gowers undertook a review of Intellectual Property in
2005 and reported his findings to the Government in December 2006.
He identified a number of areas where improvements could be made.
The Government committed to taking the recommendations forward.
The full review can be viewed at The HM Treasury website. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk./media/6/E/pbr06_gowers_report_755.pdf
* As part of the Gowers Review a report was commissioned from the
Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Law to examine
the economic evidence for extending the term of protection for
sound recordings. The full review can be viewed at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/B/4/gowers_cipilreport.pdf
* If you have any comments on the proposal you are invited to
send them to Barbara Squires at: Termextension@ipo.gov.uk by the
end of August.