The UK’s Intellectual Property Office has confirmed that it is seeking opinions on copyright issues which could be included in formal proposals at a European level.
The debate surrounding the issue of copyright has intensified over the last few years due to the on-going plans to complete the Digital Single Market across Europe.
Government officials have made clear their belief that copyright needs to keep up with the fast-paced developments taking place in the technology sphere, while also taking into account the expectations of users and consumers. Copyright also needs to provide both opportunities and incentives for creators.
The Intellectual Property Office told Advanced Television: “The UK is a net exporter of copyright content and the Government needs to ensure that our industries have the right European framework to thrive.
“Equally, the UK wants to ensure that the copyright framework is supportive for growth for the UK economy as a whole at a time of rapid technological change and business innovation. Developments at the European level can have a major impact on what happens in the UK in relation to copyright. There are a number of copyright issues being discussed in Brussels, which might find their way into formal proposals,” the Office added.
Questions regarding the European copyright framework are now under discussion so that the Office can gain a full understanding of the impact that any potential changes to the European copyright framework could have.
The Office is inviting views from all interested parties including consumers, publishers, authors, researchers, schools and universities, and all comments must be submitted before 15 October 2013.
“We will use your views and evidence to develop the UK’s position on these issues, as well as using it to finalise our research programme in this area,” added the Office.