Intellectual Property Office
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
Reform of Copyright Tribunal rules will save time and money
The Intellectual Property Office today announced a review of the Copyright Tribunal rules which will make the Tribunal quicker and cheaper to use, particularly for individuals and small businesses.
The consultation includes the following key proposals:
* Streamlining of cases for large-scale litigation in order to reduce costs for parties;
* Introduction of a small applications fast track system for cases of low financial value in order to improve accessibility for small business and individuals;
* Modernisation of the rules, in particular by incorporating case management techniques from the Civil Procedure Rules.
David Lammy, Minister of State for Intellectual Property said:
"The new rules will make the Copyright Tribunal a more efficient forum for resolving licensing disputes. The consultation proposes changes to make it easier, quicker and cheaper for cases to be dealt with by the service. I anticipate that small businesses and individuals in particular will benefit from the proposed changes."
The draft proposals are available on the Intellectual Property Office website. They take into account the recommendations of the Innovation, Universities and Skills Select Committee in the March 2008 report on the work and operation of the Copyright Tribunal and stakeholder comments received in that context. The proposals form part of a wider package of reforms of the Tribunal.
For more information please contact James Thomson in the Intellectual Property Office press office on: +44(0)207 596 6547.
Notes to editors
* The Copyright Tribunal is an independent tribunal established under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (CDPA) 1988. Its primary purpose is to resolve disputes between collecting or licensing societies and users on the terms and conditions of licenses, or on the refusal by licensing societies to provide licenses. The Tribunal also has a wider responsibility to hear cases referred to it by the Secretary of State.
* Depending on the circumstances, users -or their representative bodies can refer licences and licensing schemes to the Tribunal, where they disagree with a collecting society over the terms of the licence.
* The Intellectual Property Office is introducing these proposals to ensure that the Copyright Tribunal functions effectively by dealing with cases justly in a rapidly changing business environment.
* This consultation is being conducted according to the Code of Practice on Written Consultation available at http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file47158.pdf
The Intellectual Property Office is within the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills and responsible for the national framework of Intellectual Property rights, comprising patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.
Its role is to help manage an IP system that encourages innovation and creativity, balances the needs of consumers and users, promotes strong and competitive markets and is the foundation of the knowledge based economy.
It operates in a national and an international environment and its work is governed by national and international law, including various international treaties relating to IP to which the United Kingdom is a party.
ENDS
