Action 1: Simplifying pan-European licensing for online works
Simplify copyright clearance, management and cross-border licensing by enhancing the governance, transparency and pan European licensing for (online) rights management by proposing a framework Directive on collective rights management by 2010.
What is the problem? Legal online use of music or films is tough in Europe!
Online platforms are an easy way to distribute and exchange all kinds of content: music, films, pictures and more. Consumers have high expectations – they want to access content of their choice anytime and on a range of devices. But Europe lacks a unified market for online content. It can be difficult for example, for a Maltese consumer to download from a German website.
Why is EU action needed? Consumers and authors both lose out
Consumers do not have access to diverse European content, and authors are losing revenue because of the illegal markets which spring up to bridge the gaps.
Often, the difficulties with accessing content online are due to licensing issues. Efficient collective rights management will enable innovative and consumer-friendly content distribution across Europe.
What will the Commission do?
In 2012
The Commission will propose legislation in spring 2012.
Contact:
michael.niebel@ec.europa.eu
European Council conclusions on Digital Agenda for Europe