Digital Minister Matt Hancock has said the government does not back any proposals for a copyright exception for user-generated content (UGC).
In a letter to UK Music chief executive Michael Dugher, the minister outlined the government’s ‘strong support’ for the music industry and pledged ‘robust protection of intellectual property like copyright’.
He added: ‘I can assure you that the government does not support any proposals for a copyright exception for UGC.
‘The UK’s copyright exceptions framework favours targeted exceptions for specific purposes, and we do not support broad, open ended exceptions that have the potential to undermine the legitimate exploitation of rights.
‘We strongly support music, and are determined to ensure that artists are properly rewarded for the joy they bring us. This can only be done with robust protection of intellectual property like copyright. We support measures to address the value gap and strengthen the protection of artists’ rights.’
Commenting on the minister’s letter, Dugher said: ‘We welcome the government’s commitment that it does not support any proposed copyright exception for UGC and Matt Hancock’s assurance that artists will be properly rewarded…
‘UK Music will continue to push for copyright protection to be enshrined in the government’s Digital Charter and ensure that music does not suffer as a result of Brexit.’
Hancock’s letter came in response to UK Music board meeting, in which members raised their concerns over the UGC issue with the minister directly.
In related news, Dugher called on government ministers last week to end ‘uncertainty and lack of clarity’ over Brexit, which could harm the music industry.
Also last week, BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor welcomed the UK government’s pledge to close the value gap.
In a letter to UK Music chief executive Michael Dugher, the minister outlined the government’s ‘strong support’ for the music industry and pledged ‘robust protection of intellectual property like copyright’.
He added: ‘I can assure you that the government does not support any proposals for a copyright exception for UGC.
‘The UK’s copyright exceptions framework favours targeted exceptions for specific purposes, and we do not support broad, open ended exceptions that have the potential to undermine the legitimate exploitation of rights.
‘We strongly support music, and are determined to ensure that artists are properly rewarded for the joy they bring us. This can only be done with robust protection of intellectual property like copyright. We support measures to address the value gap and strengthen the protection of artists’ rights.’
Commenting on the minister’s letter, Dugher said: ‘We welcome the government’s commitment that it does not support any proposed copyright exception for UGC and Matt Hancock’s assurance that artists will be properly rewarded…
‘UK Music will continue to push for copyright protection to be enshrined in the government’s Digital Charter and ensure that music does not suffer as a result of Brexit.’
Hancock’s letter came in response to UK Music board meeting, in which members raised their concerns over the UGC issue with the minister directly.
In related news, Dugher called on government ministers last week to end ‘uncertainty and lack of clarity’ over Brexit, which could harm the music industry.
Also last week, BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor welcomed the UK government’s pledge to close the value gap.
