The National Archives would like to draw the attention of list members to the following initiatives of our colleagues at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in respect of copyright matters.
The IPO has just launched a public consultation on implementing changes in the transitional 2039 copyright term for unpublished works, for which powers were obtained in the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act last year.
At present, unpublished literary and certain other works, however old, remain in copyright until at least 2039: the proposal is that the duration of rights in such works should be brought into line with other rights (generally, lifetime of author plus 70 years). IPO is seeking views on the proposals, and additional data on the possible impact of any change.
The consultation document can be viewed online at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/368811/consultation-on-unpublished-works.pdf
Responses should be made to:
Andrew Wall
Copyright and Enforcement Directorate
Intellectual Property Office
Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
Tel: 0300 300 2000
Fax: 020 7034 2826
Email: [log in to unmask]
The closing date for the consultation is Friday 14th December 2014.
IPO has also just launched its new 'Orphan Works' scheme, which is designed to enable the legal copying and use of material which is still in copyright, but where the current rights owner cannot be traced, and hence permission for use could not otherwise be obtained.
Details of the scheme can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/orphan-works-overview-for-applicants
These proposals are part of a wider overhaul of copyright law of relevance to archives and rights owners in archival material, including several significant changes to copyright exemptions.
Kevin Mulley
Senior Adviser, 20 Years Programme (NHS and DEFRA)
Archives Sector Development
The National Archives
Kew
Richmond
Surrey TW9 4DU
Tel +44 (0)20 8392 5330 x2635
Fax +44 (0)20 8392 1970
Websites: <http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk>
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