EU: EP Backs Copyright Report

The European Parliament has adopted a report by Roberto Barzanti (I, PES) on an EC Communication on copyright in the information society, which calls for a Directive dealing with three outstanding issues on copyright: reproduction rights, the right of communication to the public and the right of distribution. In its report the EP suggests that performers should have the exclusive right of authorising direct or indirect reproduction, and that it is important to respond to problems associated with developments in digital technology by defining a complete legal framework that includes European measures against piracy. During the debate it was announced that the EC will be proposing a Directive by the end of 1997 that will take into account the agreements with the World Intellectual Property Organisation and the Berne Convention.