New Debate Looks To Ensure UK's Creative Competitiveness In 21st Century

by Robert Lee, Tax-News.com, London

17 December 2008

The UK Intellectual Property Office has set out a framework to guide the UK's copyright policy for the 21st century, it has been announced.

The Intellectual Property Office is seeking input from key players in the creative industries and a series of engagements, programmes and forums will look to develop a copyright agenda that supports creativity, investment and jobs and which inspires the confidence of businesses and users.

The copyright system is vitally important to the future health and prosperity of creative industries and the UK economy. It is the framework through which artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers and all those in the creative endeavour are rewarded and recognized.

Speaking at the launch in London, David Lammy MP, Minister of State for Intellectual Property and Higher Education said:

"The UK's creative industries are such a significant contributor to the UK economy. They represent around 7 per cent of the UK's Gross Domestic Product and employ 1.9 million people. I am delighted to be opening up the debate on this important piece of work today. I recognize that the UK copyright system needs to support our creative industries and all those involved in ensuring our future economic prosperity and competitiveness."

"In particular, we must recognize the work of our talented musicians and performers who should reap the rewards of their hard work throughout their lifetime. I am working with colleagues to continue discussions with our European partners."

"This work follows on from that of Andrew Gowers whose recommendations included action on copyright exceptions and enforcement activity. Together with the Digital Britain initiative, Gowers recognized that intellectual property is a key issue for the future of the UK's digital economy."

"Our UK copyright system does not exist in a vacuum. International and European rules set the boundaries of copyright and our work here will shape our priorities for domestic, European and international progress."

"The creative industries are vital to economic and cultural prosperity of the UK. It is therefore important that the UK's copyright system -the framework by which creators are rewarded and recognized - supports creativity, promotes investment and job growth while also inspiring business and consumer confidence", he finished.

Adding to this, Intellectual Property Office chief executive Ian Fletcher commented:

"Rapid technological advancements have meant that consumer behaviour and demand continue to change and we need to ensure that our copyright system keeps pace with laws that make sensible and appropriate rewards for creativity while allowing consumers to continue to access and enjoy online content."

"It is important that we consider the system as a whole not look at a series of issues in isolation. We want to hear views from grassroots creators to multinational corporations."

Lastly, World Intellectual Property Organization Director General, Francis Gurry remarked:

"Copyright is a burning issue. It affects us all, right around the world. I am delighted that the UK is pioneering a global and inclusive approach to thinking about the future of copyright in a digital world."

"It is, in my view, a timely and necessary initiative and I hope that this will encourage others to follow suit, as the international debate takes shape over the next year."

The four areas identified in the paper that seek to open the debate are:

• Access to works: Is the current system too complex, in particular in relation to the licensing of rights, rights clearance and copyright exceptions? Does the legal enforcement framework work in the digital age?
• Incentivising investment and creativity: Does the current copyright system provide the right incentives to sustain investment and support creativity? Is this true for both creative artists and commercial rights holders? Is this true for physical and online exploitation? Are those who gain value from content paying for it?
• Recognizing creative input: Does the current system provide the right balance between commercial certainty and the rights of creators and creative artist? Are creative artists sufficiently rewarded/ protected through their existing rights?
• Authenticating works: What action, if any, is needed to address issues related to authentication? In considering the rights of creative artists and other rights holders is there a case for differentiation?

The past few years have seen a significant increase in consumers enjoying online content with over 15 million households now having domestic internet access.

There are many questions around consumers willingness to pay for online content and putting future creativity and innovativeness of creators at risk. It is hoped that this work, due to be published in summer 2009, will see an appropriate balance being struck between the interests of rights holders and access by end users.

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