07 December 2006

ELSPA Welcomes New Government Review Of Copyright Theft

ELSPA has welcomed the Government support of the independent Gower review and their recommendations. 

Paul Jackson, Director General ELSPA, said “We are pleased about the government’s adoption of the Gowers Review into IP theft.  ELSPA have lobbied extensively on this issue with Government Ministers and many other relevant political stakeholders, where we have been working hard to persuade Government of the crucial part we play in the cultural and economic output of the UK and the importance of IP theft to our industry.  I am delighted to say that the Government appears to be recognising these facts.”

ELSPA feels the report is a great step forward towards better protection for the economy of the industry and is pleased to see Government support and understanding of the importance of the industry in the UK. 

The report, which ELSPA have mirrored in their lobbying, contains key issues ELSPA are keen to see come to fruition.  ELSPA have welcomed the recognition of IP theft in the UK as a serious crime, the report suggests stronger powers and duty for trading standards to take action against infringer’s of copyright law by ‘enacting section 107A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 by 2007’.

Paul Jackson stated “I am particularly pleased about the implementation of 107A as it was one of the issues I called for most strongly when giving evidence to the DCMS select committee recently.”

ELSPA also welcomed other points within the report aimed at better strengthening enforcement, in particular; IP recognised and incorporated as an area for police action in the National Community Safety Plan and tougher penalties for online copyright infringement, up to 10 years imprisonment.

Paul Jackson stated that “Great, online crime is the next big battle for us and this move is definitely a step in the right direction”.

A further issue ELSPA have lobbied for is that of government business support.  ELSPA has previously stated the need for industry professionals to be more closely advising.  The report matched these views by suggesting business representatives sit on a new independent Strategic Advisory Board on IP policy.

“We will work closely with Government and industry to ensure that all recommendations are implemented quickly and effectively while we continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the industry in the prevention of further IPO theft” Paul Jackson concluded.

For further information, please contact:

Laura West (laura.west@bhpr.co.uk)

Tel: +44 (0)1462 456780

BHPR Troopers Yard, Bancroft, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1JW

Fax: +44 (0)1462 456781

www.bhpr.co.uk 

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