WIPO - Limitations and Exceptions

 DATE: APRIL 2010

UK Music Response to the World Intellectual Property Organisation on lImitations and Exceptions

We welcome the opportunity to provide input to the WIPO questionnaire via the UK Government and hope that the Government will use their influence at WIPO, also as part of the European Union group, to talk about licensing solutions. The approach of the legislator in the UK, in providing for an exception subject to licence, has shown foresight in creating a mechanism which promotes a dialogue between the stakeholders and incentivises the creation of practical solutions.

The UK operates successful models for licensing in the area of limitations and exceptions. Most notably, these licences are highly appreciated by both the creative and the user community. The concept of an exception subject to licence already exists and operates successfully under UK copyright law (e.g. Section 35 CDPA: Recording by educational establishments of broadcasts via the Educational Recording Agency (ERA) and Section 31D CDPA: Licensing schemes regarding multiple copying for those who are visually impaired).

We urge the UK Government to promote the concept of exceptions subject to licensing schemes at WIPO level.

Click on the link below to view the full document.

UK Music response to WIPO on Limitations and Exceptions questionnaire April 2010.pdf