17.07.2015: Private Copying Regulations Quashed by High Court

Commenting on the High Court decision today to quash the Copyright and Rights in Performances (Personal Copies for Private Use) Regulations 2014, Jo Dipple, CEO UK Music said:

“Last month, the High Court agreed with us that Government acted unlawfully when it introduced an exception to copyright for private copying without fair compensation. We therefore welcome the Courts decision today to quash the existing regulations.

It is vitally important that fairness for songwriters, composers and performers is written into the law.  My members’ music defines this country.  It is only right that Government gives us the standard of legislation our music deserves. We want to work with Government so this can be achieved.”

NOTES AND BACKGROUND

The UK Government introduced measures in October 2014 to change the law to enable people to copy copyright material they have lawfully acquired for their own private and personal use, under the ‘Copyright and Rights in Performances (Personal Copies for Private Use) Regulations 2014’.

The EU Copyright Directive permits Member States such as the UK to introduce such exceptions into domestic law, but on the condition that rightholders receive fair compensation where more than minimal harm is suffered.

BASCA, the Musicians’ Union and UK Music applied for Judicial Review in November 2014. The High Court announced on 19th June 2015 that the Government had acted unlawfully. By quashing the regulations the High Court has now decided that the measures introduced in October 2014 are no longer in force.

Click to read full judgment here.