EC public consultation on the role of publishers in the copyright value chain and on the 'panorama exception'

The consultation will run until 15 June 2016

The European Commission is launching (20/04/2016) an open consultation as part of its work to update EU copyright rules for the digital age. It is seeking views on the role of publishers in the copyright value chain, including the possible extension to publishers of the neighbouring rights. Publishers do not currently benefit from neighbouring rights which are similar to copyright but do not reward an authors' original creation (a work). They reward either the performance of a work (e.g. by a musician, a singer, an actor) or an organisational or financial effort (for example by a producer) which may also include a participation in the creative process. The Commission is also consulting on the panorama exception, which concerns the use made of images depicting buildings, sculptures and monuments located permanently in public places.

The Commission wants to hear from everyone interested in the publishing sector and the digital economy such as authors, researchers, publishers, online service providers, readers, internet users and others in the creative industries. The Commission invites all respondents to back up their replies, whenever possible, with market data and other economic evidence. Views expressed and information gathered will help the Commission assess the need for, or prepare initiatives, as part of its efforts to modernise EU copyright rules under the Commission's Digital Single Market strategy.

The consultation will run until 15 June 2016.

Source: European Commission