Last month the European Commission launched a public consultation as part of its on-going efforts to review and modernise EU copyright rules. The consultation invites stakeholders to share their views on areas identified in the Communication on Content in the Digital Single Market.
The consultation’s core aim is “to ensure that the system of rights, limitations to rights and enforcement remains appropriate and is adapted to the new digital environment.” It is open until 5 February, with the Commission expecting to complete its review in spring 2014.
The review targets different sets of questions at the three main constituencies of users, right holders and service providers, with the overall tone of the consultation appearing to be that things need to change to improve the user experience of copyright.
It focuses on three broad areas, which are improving cross-border licensing of copyright, clarifying the scope of exclusive digital rights and limitations and exceptions.
The consultation builds on previous consultations and public hearings, in particular those on the “Green Paper on copyright in the knowledge economy, the “Green Paper on the online distribution of audio-visual works” and “Content Online”.
According to the European Commission, the previous consultations provided valuable feedback from stakeholders on a number of questions, on issues as diverse as the territoriality of copyright and possible ways to overcome territoriality, exceptions related to the online dissemination of knowledge, and right-holders’ remuneration, particularly in the audio-visual sector.
The European Commission says that contributions to the consultation are particularly sought from consumers, users, authors, performers, publishers, producers, broadcasters, intermediaries, distributors and other service providers, Collective Management Organisations, public authorities and Member States.