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Copyright petition launched

05.12.12 | Katie Allen

A petition has been launched in support of authors and other creatives' right to copyright protection of their work, as the EU Commission prepares to discuss the matter.

The "Support Europe's creators - Support authors' rights" petition has been set up by the Society of Audiovisual Authors (SAA) ahead of the meeting today (5th December) of the College of Commissioners to examine initiatives that the European Commission might adopt in the field of copyright.

According to the SAA: "Over the past few years, copyright has been accused of preventing works from being distributed, creating obstacles to consumers' access to works, lining the pockets of the rich and worse still, standing in the way of freedom of expression. Enough is enough."

The petition continues: "For one hundred years, technological developments have proceeded at an ever increasing pace to say the very least . . . There are basic principles that no tablet, no smartphone, no new service should undermine. Respecting authors’ rights is one of them . . .

"Commissioners, you are meeting on 5th December under the watchful eye of creators, who contribute to the future identity of Europe. For these creators, authors’ rights are still the best guarantee of fair remuneration and their greatest hope to be able to continue to create."

The petition can be signed online.

 

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• Katie Allen