Intellectual property: Recording artists fear electronic pirates as proposed directive on harmonisation of copyright laws is being studied.
As a list of recording artists gave in a petition asking for help from the European Parliament to protect their work, the European Association of Consumer Electronics Manufacturers (EACEM) stressed that technology can now combat piracy. Their statement comes at a time when the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs is studying the proposed directive on harmonisation of copyright laws in the area of information technology.
The proposed Directive aims to harmonise the national laws while implementing the recent World Intellectual Property Organisation Treaties. The opportunity for mass copying via the electronic networks demands a consistent Europe wide approach providing security for the copyright owners and the service providers. One of the fundamental issues is that of “fair use”, in other words to what extent can particular copying be exempt from royalties. With the onset of advanced technical facilities being available to the general public many artists fear they will lose out, notably in the record industry to digital technology. EACEM has pointed out that systems can be adapted to prevent copying, or limit the number of copies made, thus avoiding the possibility of perfect reproductions being made ad infinitum via digital technology.
However, the campaign launched by the music industry was successful in that MEPs voted for a complete ban on private copying of digital music protected by hi-tech anti-copying devices and the introduction of a requirement of permission before making temporary copies of music and other materials on computer networks. Lobbyists from the information technology and telecoms industries have, along with EACEM, condemned the decision and hope to see the amendments overturned next month.
Meanwhile the Economic and Social Affairs Committee has submitted a report on the proposed Directive, broadly agreeing with the Commission’s position.
