International Law

Copying photos and films for private use

Just when we thought copyright law reform in Australia was off the agenda, this media release appears in my Inbox:

SUBMISSIONS SOUGHT ON PHOTO AND FILM COPYING LAW

Submissions are sought on an issues paper released today on the private copying of films and photographs.

Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the review was part of the Rudd Government?s commitment to open public consultation in achieving fair and effective copyright law.

?The Rudd Government wants to ensure the Copyright Act continues to balance copyright protection with user needs,? Mr McClelland said.

?We are committed to encouraging creators and copyright owners to develop new markets while also giving a fair deal to Australian consumers, and I invite all parties to make a submission in response to the issues paper.?

Sections 47J and 110AA of the Copyright Act 1968 permit photographs and films to be copied in a different format for private use, subject to particular conditions. These two sections are the focus of the review.

Mr McClelland said there was a range of views about whether the present exceptions could be expanded to allow a greater range of copying without causing significant detriment to copyright owners.

?I acknowledge digital markets are rapidly adapting and the Government will need to assess all views in deciding whether to make changes.?

The legislation which introduced the new exceptions in 2006 also provides for a review of their operation. Submissions on the issues paper will close on 29 February 2008.

The issues paper is available on the website of the Attorney-General?s Department at http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Copyright_IssuesandReviews_Copyingphotosandfilmsforprivateuse.

For more information, contact the Copyright Law Branch of the Attorney-General?s Department on (02) 6250 6313 or e-mail: copyrightlawbranch@ag.gov.au.

Read more here.

Full post as published by Freedom to Differ on January 22, 2008 (boomark / email).