2011
LACA's response to the BIS Select Committee Inquiry into the Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property
The Business, Innovation and Skills Committee conducted an inquiry into the Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property and the Government’s response to it. The Inquiry focused on the recommendations set out in the Review and the Government’s plans for the implementation of its recommendations.
Read the response
LACA's response to Hargreaves' Review of Intellectual Property and Growth
The response proposes non-legislative and legislative solutions.
"We would support the creation of a Copyright Advisory Board by the Intellectual Property Office in order to redress the balance between rights holders' and users' needs in relation to copyright."
2010
LACA letter to President Barroso of the European Commission on orphan works and the proposed amendment to the European Information Society Directive
"We strongly advise the Commission to seriously reconsider and to consult much more closely with representatives of European libraries and archives and their professional associations."
Read the letter
Online Infringement of Copyright and the Digital Economy Act 2010
The response states that LACA is deeply concerned by the potential impact of the Digital Economy Act and the Ofcom Code upon public bodies.
LACA's contention is that organisations offering free public Wi-fi and fixed line internet access, and in particular libraries, archives and educational establishments, are playing a vital role in furthering the digital agenda of encouraging internet usage and spreading digital literacy. A Code which does not address those services in a realistic manner will undermine the public interest by hindering, not helping, the digital agenda.
The most pressing issue arising from the draft Code is the uncertainty about their status under the Code.
LACA's response to the consultation on the Draft Ofcom Initial Obligations Code
Taking forward Gowers review of intellectual property: second stage consultation on copyright exceptions
The response covers extension of fair dealing and library and archive copying for research or private study to film, sound recordings and broadcasts, copying for preservation, contracts versus exceptions and limitations, and LACA's answers to specific questions.
Taking forward Gowers review of intellectual property: second stage consultation on copyright exceptions
2009
LACA Briefing paper on the Digital Economy Bill
The Briefing Paper was sent to all members of the House of Lords on 21 December 2009 outlining concerns in the Bill including the measures against online infringement of copyright (clauses 4-17) and Orphan works (clause 42). The Bill is in its committee stage of the whole of the House of Lords in early January 2010.
LACA Briefing paper on the Digital Economy Bill
Extension of Public Lending Right to rights holders of books in non-print formats
From the response:
"Given that in the UK the lending right of the rightholders in film, sound recordings and other non-print works, including audio-books and e-books, already exists under the copyright regime and thus public libraries require licensing to lend these materials, we therefore generally favour the transfer of the administraton of lending right in non-print books from copyright licensing to the existng PLR scheme. It has proven itself to be an efficient partner in the administraton of PLR for both libraries and the beneficiaries of the lending right."
From the response:
"We welcome the establishment of the Strategic Advisory Board for Intellectual Property, and the indication it gives of the Government’s recognition of the centrality of intellectual property issues in modern society. We look forward to participating in a continuing dialogue with the Board on matters of mutual interest and concern."
Strategic Advisory Board for Intellectual Property (SABIP) strategic priorities