Brussels, 22/08/2014 (Agence Europe) - The date for the publication of the White Paper on copyright has still not been set, even though it was supposed to be published before the summer break. The Commission is reported not to have given up on its plans to present it before the end of its term. Changes have to be made to the text following the inter-service consultation and in view of the objections of certain commissioners on various points of the document (see EUROPE 11124).
Meanwhile, over the summer, the Commission has published the results of the public consultation carried out on the subject earlier this year. These shed light on the positions of the various parties in relation to copyright and illustrate the complexity of the exercise at hand, which aims to modernise copyright law.
As regards the cross-border accessibility of digital content, for instance, it transpires that consumers would like to be able to have access to all store content online, whether these are in their own country or not. Authors and performers also recognise the deficit in the cross-border accessibility of content, blaming this on the licensing systems, rather than on geography. Music producers point out that online music is accessible throughout Europe, so that European intervention in this regard is not absolutely vital. On the other hand, media broadcasters take the view that there is no reason to provide services in more than one country (language difference, or consumption habits). Film producers and publishers also seemed to have little appetite for multi-country licences and see no point in making legislative changes in this area either.
On links between content and navigation, users do not feel that this should be subject to authorisation. Authors and performers, but also producers, publishers and distributors, on the other hand, feel that this should be the case in certain situations.
With regard to copyright exceptions, all categories of respondents are in favour of increased flexibility. Consumers are in favour of this system being kept in place, although in some cases it creates legal uncertainty. The creative sector as well as producers, publishers and broadcasters also argued against changes to this area. Distributors, on the other hand, would like to see harmonisation. As for the question of remuneration and the Commission's desire to make this fairer, authors and performers complained about certain contractual terms, but also their poor negotiating powers. On the other hand, producers, publishers and broadcasters believe that the creative sector is appropriately remunerated and that market laws should prevail. The situation, they argue, does not justify Community action. (MD)