Digital Copyright Exchange feasibility study

On 22 November Business Secretary Vince Cable announced the appointment of Richard Hooper to lead a feasibility study on developing a Digital Copyright Exchange (DCE) in the UK.

The DCE feasibility study will consider options for developing a functional digital market in rights clearance and a source of information about rights ownership, as recommended by the Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property and Growth and accepted by the Government.

Richard Hooper, with Ros Lynch as Head of the DCE Secretariat, has commenced Phase 1 of work. The Study is independent but based in the offices of the IPO. Phase 1 is diagnostic, looking at what are the issues surrounding copyright licensing in and for the digital age. Phase 2 will examine and recommend the range of potential solutions to any issues found.

The feasibility study will provide recommendations for a workable licensing solution by 2012 summer Parliamentary Recess. For more information about the study, see the Terms of Reference.

How to get involved

Richard Hooper has invited stakeholders to respond to a call for evidence which asks two questions:

• First, whether they agree with the ‘Hargreaves Hypothesis’ - that the current copyright licensing system is not fit for purpose;
• Secondly whether they agree with his proposed definitions, including the market definition.

Richard Hooper said:

"This is a controversial issue with strongly held opinions across the spectrum – we are seeking hard data and evidence for or against the main, or parts of the, hypothesis. The responses I receive will help to inform my thinking as I move to develop a concept for a workable licensing solution."

To submit a response to the Call for Evidence (142Kb), send your evidence with a completed response sheet via e-mail by no later than Friday 10 February 2012.

To contact Richard Hooper, please e-mail us.