email print share on Facebook share on Twitter share on LinkedIn share on reddit pin on Pinterest

AUDIOVISUAL Europe

European directors against private copy levies suppression

by 

Earlier this month, some of Europe's most prestigious filmmakers sent an open letter to the European Commission expressing their total disagreement over the suppression of the private copy levies.

Established directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Ken Loach and Lars Von Trier set in writing their support of the principle of compensation for the private copying because, although "limited, it still represents an important source of remuneration". The letter also emphasises that such suppression would be a "frontal attack" against copyright.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)

According to the directors, "free availability of content should not be a business model encouraged by ICT industry to support the roll-out of digital technologies at the expense of our creations". Therefore, they encourage the Commission to "recognise the importance of rewarding creators due their contribution".

This system of remuneration applied to digital supports and regulated by the Directive 2001/29 is currently under reform. Its goal is to harmonise and clarify the norms of management of digital technologies as nowadays private copy levies exist in only 20 of the 25 EU member states.

This controversial subject has been the subject of continuous consultations since 2001, with both private and public interested parties participating.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)

(Translated from Spanish)

Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.

Privacy Policy