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EU commissioner calls for copyright forum

09.06.08 Keith Nuthall

EU commissioner Charlie McCreevy has called for a special forum to encourage copyright collecting societies, publishers and consumer electronics group to reach an agreement on copying fees.

The EU internal market commissioner told a European Commission hearing in Brussels last month (27th May) that he was tired of the "sterile" debate on compensating authors for copyright infringements involving new technology. He was particularly tired of the stance of copyright collecting societies and electronics companies.

“Collecting societies and the consumer electronic industry need to find common ground and move forward. Simply exchanging written statements is no substitute for dialogue," he said. "It is time that the parties speak to each other directly.” McCreevy suggested as a solution a forum for face-to-face meetings and discussion.

His comments followed a three-month consultation from the European Commission on reforming existing private copying rules, which saw manufacturers generally oppose levying private copying fees on new digital recording and transmission technology, such as datasticks, iPods and mobile phones, while collecting societies demanded payment.

McCreevy suggested that topics for constructive debate at a forum could include clamping down on free-rider traders not paying levies; improving the system for obtaining fees where electronic equipment is exported; and investigating possible broad principles that allow for future technological developments.

McCreevy stressed that this move would ensure “levies take their rightful place compensating artists for losses while giving the electronics industry some certainty".

Keith Nuthall European Commission Copyright Global Charlie McCreevy

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