copyright
Benifei: Embed blockchain in copyright reform
Blockchain technology can provide a win-win-win between the fight against censorship, verified traceability of digital artworks, and a fair remuneration for its creators. The copyright reform debate is a good opportunity to embed blockchain and create a better regulatory framework, argues Brando Benifei.
EU copyright directive means trouble for our startups
Startups in Europe can only be successful if they have solid rules in the online space. But in an attempt to limit the power of tech giants, the European Union risks hampering the next generation of European startups too, writes Lenard Koschwitz.
Fillon’s former deputy backs controversial copyright reform
The European Parliament’s Committee on Culture, usually a staunch defender of authors’ rights, has proposed a series of new exceptions to the copyright reforms under development at EU level. Rapporteur Marc Joulaud is a former deputy of François Fillon and employer of his wife Penelope. EURACTIV France reports.
Juncker to announce €200 billion extra funds in ‘State of the Union’ speech
Energy and digital infrastructure projects are expected to receive a further €200 billion funding boost under plans to be announced today (14 September) by the President of the European Commission in his State of the Union address.
The Trade Secrets Directive: What it does – and does not – mean
In the three years it was debated in the European Parliament, the recently-adopted Trade Secrets Directive generated no small amount of controversy and myths. EURACTIV France attempts to separate fact from fiction.
190 tonnes of illegal pesticides seized by Europol
Around 190 tonnes of illegal pesticides have been discovered at airports and harbours in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain, Europol on Friday (18 December). EURACTIV’s partner EFE reports.
Commission wants consumers to access digital content when they travel
The European Commission proposed a new regulation today (9 December) to allow residents of the EU to access legal digital content when they're traveling outside the country they live in.
Kraftwerk kraut-rocked by court copyright fight
Germany's highest court was examining today (25 November) a case that erupted 18 years ago over a German hip hop artist's two-second sample of a tune by electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk.
Copyright reform: Oettinger open to Spanish ‘Google tax’ model
EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger said that he prefers Spain's controversial ancillary copyright law on Tuesday (14 July), sometimes nicknamed a 'Google tax', to the German model.
Copyright: MEPs ditch plans for Google Tax, tourist photo ban
Members of the European Parliament have struck down two controversial amendments from a report on copyright reform - rules over the right to take photos of buildings and an EU "Google Tax".
UK ruling on private copying highlights contested part of EU copyright talks
A British court ruled on Friday (19 June) against legal copying of music for private use. A judge sided with UK music industry groups in the case, saying exceptions to copyright law introduced by the UK government last fall would damage rightsholders.
MEPs vote to protect geo-blocking from copyright reform
MEPs have watered down the report by Pirate Party member Julia Reda on copyright reform, refusing to accept the harmonisation of exceptions and asking the Commission to rethink the question of geo-blocking. EURACTIV France reports.
Denmark partners with tech companies to take on piracy
The Danish Ministry of Culture announced last week (8 May) that it's organising a campaign to target pirated content on the internet, partnering on a voluntary basis with internet service providers and tech companies, including Google and Microsoft.
Where is the culture in the Digital Single Market?
A digital pact is a good idea. But Pascal Rogard asks what is being done to foster the diversity of our cultures.
Commission dilutes copyright reform in digital strategy
Rights holders breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday (6 May), when the European Commission unveiled its Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy. The executive's determination to tackle copyright reform has waned in the face of fierce oppposition. EURACTIV France reports.
EU ‘racing to catch up’ with Digital Single Market plan
The European Commission has announced its long-awaited strategy for a Digital Single Market, with issues ranging from consumer rights in online retail, copyright and data protection to network expansion and the use of modern techniques for industry. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Europe’s digital revolution
The Digital Single Market is our chance to compete with the US on knowledge and innovation, writes Eva Paunova.
Lucas Belvaux: ‘This copyright reform will impoverish culture’
The planned reform of EU copyright law has caused a wave of protest among rights holders, who fear the financing of the whole cultural sector will be put at risk.
A call from Europe’s filmmakers
As the core principles of copyright are called into question, it is time to find a new way of exhibiting European cinema and redefine how cinema can circulate from one country to the next, writes a group of filmmakers.
Brussels tackles territorial copyright in digital strategy
The European Commission is preparing to unlock territorial copyright protection for TV, film and music, as part of its Digital Single Market (DSM) blueprint, unveiled on Wednesday (25 March). But it will also include key exemptions for the audiovisual sector, officials told EURACTIV.
Cultural industries unite against copyright reform
France's cultural industries have shown their determination to fight European copyright reform plans. A parallel movement among members of the European Parliament hopes to have the Electronic Commerce Directive re-examined as part of the reform package. EURACTIV France reports.
Private copying levy in EU’s firing line
The private copying levy, invented in France in the 1980s and now commonplace across the EU, is a subject of friction between rights holders and distributors. Critics highlight the system's lack of transparency and unequal application across the EU. EURACTIV France reports.
Geo-blocking attacked from all sides
Criticism of copyright law has crystallised around the territorial restriction of content within the EU. The subject of "geo-blocking" is high on the European Commission's list of priorities. EURACTIV France reports.