Strasbourg, 27/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament has come out in favour of updating the charging system for private copies in the age of smartphones and Mp3 players.
On Thursday 27 February, MEPs adopted a non-binding resolution by Françoise Castex (S&D, France) on private copy fees, although the Liberals, and also the Greens to a lesser extent, opposed the document (see EUROPE 11025). The ALDE Group lodged a counter-resolution, which was rejected by the EP by 336 votes to 132 and 16 abstentions.
In Castex's resolution, the EP recommends drawing up a common definition of the type of charges applicable for private copies and harmonisation of national levy systems. The EP says charges should be collected directly from manufacturers and 25% of the income be used to fund the creation of artwork and live performances. This would mean that copyright charges would be part of a virtuous circle, fostering culture, explains the rapporteur, who does not want private copies to replace licensing systems. She tweeted her pleasure that the European Parliament says yes to private copies. (MD)