Wednesday Whimsies

While recovering from all the Halloween candies, let's look at some papers and proposals published recently, as well as a few upcoming events!

Copyright reform

The Proposal for a new Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market remains at the centre of the attention. First we report on a study commissioned by the European Parliament's Policy Department for Citizen's Rights and Constitutional Affairs reviewing Article 11 and Articles 14-16.

Waking up on 1 November like...

Moving to Article 13 and Recital 38 of the Proposal Directive, in light of the questions posed by Members States to the Legal Service of the Council, the Association Littéraire et Artistique Internationale (ALAI) has offered its reflections on the matter. The paper can be found here.

On the very same topic, concerns have been expressed by the associations DIGITALEUROPE, EuroISPA, EDiMA and the Computer & Communication Industry Association on to the right of communication to the public and the E-Commerce Directive. The letter can be found here.

Geographical Indications

Changing subject and looking at Geographical Indications, the Australian National University Center for European Studies, in the framework of the Jean Monnet grant, is looking to hire a postgraduate, postdoctoral or a researcher to undertake a project seeking to collect empirical work linked to real-world impact of GIs. Applications should be sent by 30 November 2017. The application form can be found here and here.

Frances Lowe

The IPKat is saddened to inform that the copyright community has lost one of its valued members, Ms Frances Lowe, an influential lawyer passionate about art, music and sport. Throughout her career, she always insured that the creative community was going to be heard and protected at a legislative level. Her husband talks about all her achievements and splendid personality in her obituary.

Measuring copyright

Mike Palmedo and Sean Flynn of the American University Washington College of Law published on 30 October their initial results on their research on The User Rights Database: Measuring the Impact of Copyright Balance. The tool tracks changes to copyright exceptions and limitations from 1970 to 2016 in 21 countries. More information on this very interesting research here.

Onto some events!

On Thursday 23 November Brick Court Chambers and techUK will host the conference “Who Rules The Internet” in Bride Street, London. The topics that will be tackled include topical legal issues affecting the internet, such as censorship and compliance, cyber security and privacy and surveillance. Speakers include David Anderson, speakers from GCHQ and the Home Office, Graham Smith, Gordon Corera and Fulford LJ. Attendance to the conference is free, but recording is not possible as Chatham Rules will apply. The full programme can be found here.

The Royal Society of Chemistry Law Group will host its annual seminar on Thursday 9 November. The IP Case Law Seminar will focus on recent high profile case law in the field of chemistry. The full programme can be found here. Enrolment can be done either by emailing Tony Ward at info@bright-events-conferences.co.uk or here. Prices for attendance are £75 for RSC members, £90 for non-members and £20 for RSC student members.

Finally, on Tuesday 21 November, BPP University IP Society will host the conference “Copyright in the digital market” at Stamford Street, London. Attendance to the conference is free. The full programme can be found here. For information contact Veronica Barresi (veronicabarresi@bpp.com).

Image credits: Peter Kuang