The move brings UK copyright law into line with the EU Copyright Directive which primarily aims to protect software, film and music producers. However, it also affects producers of literary works, such as journalists, by removing some of the previous exceptions to copyright infringement such as using material for research purposes, either for personal or commercial purposes.
Steven Skiba, intellectual property specialist with leading Nottingham law firm, Berryman Shacklock, explained: "What this means is that those businesses that have, to date, used material for commercial purposes no longer fall within the exception and will require licences to operate within the law and pay for the privilege."
Enforcement powers and sanctions available to authors whose works have been infringed have also been strengthened.
"Authors will benefit from a number of extended offences and remedies," said Mr Skiba. "EU member states are required to provide legal protection for electronic rights management information to enable authors to identify and police infringement.
"Online piracy has certainly been at the forefront of the lawmakers when considering the impact of the directive but it is hoped that changes will discourage such activity."
Full text of new copyright regulations:
http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2003/20032498.htm
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