Copyright and related rights policy issues

We are responsible for formulating and delivering UK policy on copyright and related rights. The following detail the latest position on the main issues that we deal with:

© The future: Keeping ahead of the game

David Lammy, Minister for Higher Education and Intellectual Property, has launched an Intellectual Property Office initiative on the future direction of copyright.

Artist's resale right

This right entitles authors of original works of art (including for example paintings, engravings, sculpture, ceramics) to a royalty each time one of their works is resold in a sale involving an art market professional.

Copyright term

Latest details on the term of protection for sound recordings and performers' rights.

Music licensing review

Details of a new consultation in respect of certain copyright exemptions which apply to playing recorded music in public

European green paper

The European Commission has issued a green paper on copyright in the knowledge economy.

Copyright exceptions

Information about the follow-up to the Gowers Review of intellectual property which made various recommendations including several to amend the current copyright exceptions regime.

Orphan works

The term ‘orphan works’ is used to describe works protected by copyright where the copyright holder cannot be traced

Content online

In January 2008 the European Commission issued a Communication on Creative Content Online setting out four areas where they considered further action was required in relation to the creation and circulation of creative content online.

Action on illicit P2P file-sharing

Information about the follow-up to the Gowers Review of intellectual property which considered the need for regulatory action to tackle the issue of illicit Peer-to-Peer (P2P) filesharing.