December 19, 2011
Statutory consumer rights body Consumer Focus, who aim to give a voice to consumer concerns, have released a statement commenting on the recently proposed review of the UK’s copyright laws.
David Cameron announced last month that a review would be undertaken to bring copyright laws into the ‘internet age’ with the potential for a relaxation of the protection given to copyrighted material. The review was announced following the publication earlier this year of a report into Copyright laws by Professor Ian Hargreaves.
In their statement Consumer Focus said “Consumers, business and copyright holders will welcome Government moving rapidly to implement the Hargreaves Review. Currently UK copyright law hampers economic growth and technology which has been running ahead of policy for years.
In 21st Century Britain, consumers enjoy music, games, films and books on a range of electronic platforms and devices. Just one anomaly that will be resolved is making it legal to format-shift music and films people have bought from disks to computers and MP3 players. Once the review is implemented our copyright law will be simpler and in line with most other developed economies. Consumers will be clearly told what they can and cannot do with the goods they have paid for. Our creative and technology industries will also be in a better position to innovate and meet consumer needs, without having to spend time and thousands of pounds on legal advice and court cases.’
The review will report next in April 2012.
