The Copyright Tribunal

The Government has announced its intention to merge the Copyright Tribunal with the Tribunals Service . Further information is also available on the IPO press release area of the website.

New Deputy Chair appointed

The Lord Chancellor Ken Clarke has appointed Ms Colleen Anne Keck with immediate effect as Deputy Chair of the Copyright Tribunal.

Ms Keck, a partner at Allen Overy, was appointed as a solicitor in July 1987. She has specialised in IT and media sectors since 1988. She has been recognised as a legal expert in IT law and as a leading practitioner in intellectual property areas. She has practised law in the UK and North America both in private practice and in industry.

Forthcoming decisions

CT-114/09: Meltwater Holding BV -V- NLA Ltd. The Tribunal's decision will be available in the new year.

Function

The Copyright Tribunal is an independent tribunal established by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Its main role is to adjudicate in commercial licensing disputes between collecting societies and users of copyright material in their business. It does not deal with copyright infringement cases or with criminal "piracy" of copyright works. Copyright infringement can be dealt with in the civil courts such as the High Court (Chancery Division), the Patents County Court and certain other county courts where there is also a Chancery District Registry. Criminal matters are dealt with in the criminal courts.

Where parties are unable to reach agreement in commercial licensing disputes they might also wish to consider, as an alternative to the Copyright Tribunal, mediation services. The IPO offers a mediation service.

About the Copyright Tribunal

Find out background information on the Copyright Tribunal, its members and administrative support available.

Decisions and orders issued

Decisions and orders of the Copyright Tribunal.

Applications

When the Tribunal has already made a decision in a particular area, the collecting society as well as the licensee may apply to the Tribunal to change that decision.

Further Information

How to obtain further information on legislation, decisions, practice directions and general enquires.

Fifth Special Report

Fifth Special Report of Session 2007-08, The work of the Copyright Tribunal: Government Response to the Committee's Second Report of Session 2007-08 (HC 637).