The European Commission has released a report and a working paper on the implementation of EU Directive 2004/48/EC on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights. It is seeking feedback from the public on these documents by March 31. The report and working paper conclude that the Directive has led to improved enforcement of IP, but suggest that areas remain where the enforcement of IP could be strengthened, and the growth of the internet has given rise to issues not envisioned when the Directive was written. Some of the areas where the Directive may be in need of “clarification” are intermediary liability, the size and dissuasive effect of damages, and the balance between the right to information and privacy laws.
The request for comments, as well as the Report and the Working Paper are available here: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/consultations/2011/intellectual_property_rights_en.htm
