Member Article

Ideas wanted for the future of copyright

Companies and entrepreneurs working in the digital and creative industries “need to make themselves heard” to help shape the future of copyright and intellectual property.

Experts at law firm Ward Hadaway say a major shake-up in the intellectual property sector is on its way and that those involved in the sector have an unprecedented opportunity to help decide what happens.

Alex Shiel, partner and head of intellectual property and IT at Ward Hadaway, said: “Technological change has meant that it is now possible to distribute content to millions of people across the world at the touch of a button.

“Many organisations which oversee intellectual property rights and copyright issues are having a fundamental rethink of the way in which these rights are governed and enforced.

“Many are putting out ideas to public consultation and this gives anyone involved with IP and copyright an unprecedented opportunity to have their say in the future shape of what is a vitally important industry.”

SABIP (the Strategic Advisory Board for Intellectual Property Policy), which advises the government on intellectual property matters, is carrying out research into key areas of copyright issues before making policy recommendations to Ministers.

As well as SABIP, HMRC and the Conservatives are both looking at new ways of approaching intellectual copyright.

Alex Shiel said: “Taken together, these reviews represent a fantastic opportunity for companies and individuals in creative, design and other industries to have a say in the future direction of intellectual property and copyright.

“One thing is for certain - change is definitely on its way. It is up to businesses and individuals whether or not they want to help shape the nature of that change.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .