I. Green paper on copyright in the knowledge economy:

The Commissioner said the work continues in this issue, which has “to encourage debate on how copyright legislation can serve the objective of the dissemination of knowledge for research, science and education, particularly in the online environment.”

Mr.McCreevy underlined that “the Green Paper aims to set out a number of issues connected with the role of copyright in the knowledge economy". The Green Paper could be adopted just before or just after the summer break and it is intended to launch a public consultation.

II. Copyright protection for performers:

The Commissioner presented his intention to extend the term of protection for performers and sound recording from the current 50 to 95 years:

• Performers will be able to control how their performances are used;
  
• Performers will continue to receive royalties and airplay remuneration for their entire lifetime;

Besides, each record company will have to set up a special fund specifically devoted to session musicians. The company will have to pay a percentage of its increased revenues in the extended period into this fund.

III. Private copyright levies:

After a public consultation carried out between February and April 2008, Mr. McCreevy announced a public hearing on May 27th, 2008.

Next steps:
- Green paper on copyright in the knowledge economy: before or after the summer 2008
- EC proposal for the extension of term of protection for related rights: summer 2008
- Copyright levies: public hearing on May 27th, 2008

To read Commissioner Mc.Creevy speech, please click here
To access the Directive 2006/116/EC of December 12th, 2006, repealing the Directive 93/98/EEC of October 29th, 1993, harmonising the term of protection of copyright and certain related rights, please click here