Advocating for a world where intellectual
property law serves the public interest.

Global Discussions on Exceptions and Limitations to Copyright for Libraries Continue

[International Federation of Library Associations] It’s time to look back at a of week global discussions on copyright at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). There were useful new reports and materials, signs of consensus on all sides that exceptions and limitations are an essential part of the copyright framework, and further proof that action is needed to allow libraries

Bermuda Triangle – Licensing, Filtering and Privileging User-Generated Content Under the New Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market

[Martin Senftleben] Abstract: The new EU Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market creates a peculiar triangle of obligations to license, filter and privilege user-generated content (UGC). As it abolishes the traditional safe harbour for hosting in the case of copyrighted content, it may lead to the disappearance of the open, participative internet which EU citizens currently enjoy. To

Regional Seminars on Copyright Limitations and Exceptions Described by WIPO

The WIPO Secretariat held a briefing on its plans for regional seminars on limitations and exceptions to copyright for Libraries, Archives, Museums and Educational & Research Institutions, on April 3. Sylvie Forbin chaired the meeting and led the description of WIPO’s plans.

Affordable College Textbook Act Reintroduced in U.S. Congress

[Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition] SPARC..., an international alliance of academic and research libraries working to broaden access to knowledge, today applauded the reintroduction of the Affordable College Textbook Act in the U.S. Congress. The bill aims to make higher education more affordable for students by expanding the use and awareness of open educational resources (OER) — high quality

The Loss of Archival Material at the National Museum

On September 2nd, 2018, Brazilians followed with shock news of the fire at the National Museum. Most of the scientifically and culturally invaluable artifacts were destroyed. 200 years of memories and science went up in flames. Initial estimates indicate that 90% of collection was lost, an irreparable damage to our culture and knowledge.

Communia General Statement on Exceptions and Limitations (SCCR/38)

[Teresa Nobre, for the Communia Association] We believe that there is a minimum set of access and use rights that should be defined by public rules, since they are justified by public interests. If copyright laws do not grant to the education and research communities, the cultural heritage institutions, and the persons with disabilities the same level of protection that