News from CLM
Copyright and Other Legal Matters at the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC)
The Copyright and Other Legal Matters (CLM) Strategic Programme represents the voice of the international library community in copyright and other legal concerns. CLM strongly advocates at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Geneva, for a minimum international standard of exceptions and limitations to copyright, alongside partner organisations. CLM is also active in issues relating to economic and legal barriers to the acquisition and use of library resources and effective library services, subscription and license agreements, legal issues relevant to broader access to knowledge, in particular online and a wide range of other legal matters of international significance to libraries and librarianship. At this years’ World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Wroclaw, Poland, CLM Committee members have organised several sessions.Is Malawi’s accession to the Marrakesh Treaty effectively addressing the book famine?
The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled, adopted on June 27, 2013, has been implemented in 30 countries to date, among which Malawi. The country’s accession instrument has been recently deposited at WIPO, and the Treaty will be in force in the country in October 14, 2017.South Africa Can Lead the Way: IFLA Delivers Submission on Copyright Reform
South Africa is reforming its copyright framework, and the Copyright Amendment Bill takes an ambitious approach that could set a great example not only for neighbouring countries but also internationally. It contains some very positive provisions for libraries and cultural heritage institutions, such as the recognition of library e-lending, the supply of digital documents, the possibility to make collections available through secure computer networks, the limitation of liability and on the making available of out of commerce works.In Copyright, Everyone’s Rights Must be Protected: IFLA calls for Reconsideration of W3C Decision on Extended Media Extensions
Following the decision of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to incorporate Extended Media Extensions in to the HTML Standard, IFLA has called for reconsideration. While recognising both the potential for technological protection measures to hinder infringing uses, as well as the additional simplicity offered by this solution, IFLA is concerned that it will become easier to apply such measures to digital content without also making it easier for libraries and their users to remove measures that prevent legitimate uses of works.Open Letter to Ministers at the European Union's Competitiveness Council
IFLA, alongside 63 other civil society and trade associations has co-signed a letter to Ministers attending the European Union’s Competitiveness Council. This initiative seeks to urge decisionmakers to aim for a more ambitious copyright reform that responds to the needs of libraries and their users in Europe.Marrakesh Ratification in the European Union Has a Sting in the Tail
Progress towards ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty in the European Union has the potential to deliver significantly wider access to knowledge for people with print disabilities, both in Europe and around the world. But to achieve this, national legislation will need to avoid introducing unnecessary 'compensation' provisions which will only harm the institutions, such as libraries and charities, which are working to help.IFLA advocates globally for a better legal framework for libraries at the 34th Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR)
Through the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) offers a platform for discussion among Member States and NGOs at a global level on intellectual property law and how to make it work better. SCCR is, among others, currently focusing on exceptions and limitations to copyright for libraries, archives and museums – the derogations from the exclusive rights of authors and publishers which allow libraries to do things such as preservation, reproduction or lending.Libraries and Creative Commons: Realising the Potential to Achieve Shared Goals
Human progress, innovation and creativity depends on being able to access, share and build on existing knowledge and ideas. Libraries have long been at the heart of delivering this. At the Creative Commons Global Summit, held in Toronto on 28-30 April 2017, IFLA discussed how libraries could work with open licensing to continue to achieve these objectives.World Intellectual Property Day, 26 April 2017 – Innovation, Improving Lives
Every year on 26 April, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) celebrates the World Intellectual Property Rights Day. This year in particular, WIPO explores how innovation and progress make lives better, and what more can be done to make sure new technologies reach the people who need them. They are also inviting ideas on the priorities for future innovation through Twitter under the hashtag #WorldIPDay.Unanimous Support for Access for the Print Disabled: European Parliament Committee Votes on Marrakesh Treaty Ratification
The European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee sent out a strong signal to the European Union’s Member States last week by voting unanimously for laws which will ensure that people with print disabilities, and those that support them, are not faced with needless and harmful barriers to access to knowledge and culture.- 1 of 14
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