Legislation to change the copyright law of the Philippines has passed the third reading in the Senate. The law was sponsored by Senator Manny Villar, who is quoted in the press saying that “It is high time that we genuinely adhere to the international principle of fair use to limit the use of copyrighted material without acquiring permission from the owner.” Villar also noted that the U.S.-based International Intellectual Property Alliance had asked for the Philippines to be placed on the Special 301 Priority Watch List.
The bill amends the existing law’s language on fair use to specify that it applies to a “limited number of” copies. It adds a specific exception to copyright for for the reproduction or distribution of materials in formats for people visually impaired persons, “provided that such copies and distribution shall be made on a non-profit basis.” The law also expands the definition of infringement to include contributory infringement, regulates collective management organizations, and establishes a Bureau of Copyright.
