The work and operation of the Copyright Tribunal

20 March, 2008

The House of Commons Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee has reported (20 March) on 'The work and operation of the Copyright Tribunal'

In addition to submissions from representatives of copyright owners, the Committee quotes from evidence submitted by SCONUL, as well as from papers by the Libraries and Archives Copyright Alliance (to which SCONUL contributed) and by Universities UK/GuildHE. Most of the Report's conclusions will be welcomed by higher education. Specially welcome are suggestions for reducing the cost of Tribunal hearings, and for bringing copyright dispute-settlement within easy reach of individuals, small business and institutions.

Less welcome is the idea that disputes might be brought to the Tribunal by the representatives of copyright owners. These organisations already have monopoly powers, and their superior negotiating strength is the very reason the Tribunal was established.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmdius.htm