eco – Association of the German Internet Industry e. V. welcomes the EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s initiative and announcement of his intention to drive forward reform of European copyright law. However, this reform should not simply protect old business models, but must also be Internet-compatible: “For the Internet industry, and for users in Germany and throughout Europe, it would be a great advantage if Oettinger succeeded in adapting copyright law to the requirements of the knowledge and information society,” explains Oliver Süme, eco Director of Policy and Law.
This would include an innovation and technology-friendly design of the statutory provisions, for example through the inclusion of a principle of fair use which would allow the unauthorized use of protected material, for example, provided it serves specific, defined purposes.
The reform would also need to create a balance between the interests of Internet users, owners of Intellectual Property rights, companies and those using Intellectual Property for commercial purposes. “The export of innovation-hostile regulations like the German ancillary copyright law would help no-one in Europe. This is clear from the German experience,” says Süme.