EU: Copyright in the information society

The European Commission has welcomed the adoption by the EU's Council of Ministers on 9 April of the Directive establishing pan-EU rules on copyright and related rights in the Information Society. Adoption of the Directive fulfils one of the priority objectives set by the Lisbon European Council as part of the process to preparing the transition to a competitive, dynamic and knowledge-based economy in the EU.

The Directive is due to be implemented by Member States in national law within 18 months of its publication in the EU's Official Journal (likely within a few weeks).

The Directive will stimulate creativity and innovation by ensuring that all material protected by copyright including books, films, music are adequately protected by copyright. It provides a secure environment for cross-border trade in copyright protected goods and services, and will facilitate the development of electronic commerce in the field of new and multimedia products and services.

Both the E-Commerce Directive and this Directive are important elements in meeting the EU objective to create a harmonised legal framework to encourage the development of the Information Society.

More information:
- Press release 9 April 2001 (European Commission)
- Press release 4 May 2000 (European Commission)

Related news:
- European Commission seeks to use Internet in EU's policy-making process (7/4/2001)
- eLearning: EU Action Plan to give new communication technologies a greater role in education (29/3/2001)
- European Commission: future wireless services (21/3/2001)
- Commission urges SMEs to go on-line by "GoDigital" Initiative (17/3/2001)
- Commission assesses impact of eEurope and sets future priorities (15/3/2001)

Datum: 10/04/2001

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