Author: REPOST

[Electronic Information for Libraries] The updated copyright law, replacing the previous law adopted in 2011, came into effect in Laos in June 2018. WIPO’s Study on Copyright Limitations and Exceptions for Libraries and Archives (SCCR/35/6) found that while the 2011 law in Laos had some basic exceptions allowing certain uses of copyright protected works, there were no explicit library exceptions. Unfortunately, the new law does not remedy the situation, thus leaving libraries to operate without either a specific exception or a general fair use or fair dealing exception that libraries could utilize. The scope of permissible library activities therefore relies on interpretation of other provisions – the exceptions for quotation, illustration, and archiving of electronic copies – and the result is not satisfactory.

[ReCreate South Africa] ReCreate South Africa (“ReCreate”) is a non-profit association, established in 2018 to advocate for a balanced Copyright Act that includes modern creators’ rights. ReCreate is a coalition of writers, filmmakers, photographers, educational content producers, software and video game developers, technology entrepreneurs, artists, poets, producers of accessible format materials, freedom of expression advocates, and other South African creators… ReCreate South Africa welcomes the Copyright Amendment Bill’s clear guidelines and balance between the rights of creators and users. We applaud the promotion of three key rights to enable us to create the next generation of South African content for the world: The Right to Create … 2. the right to Own … 3. The Right to Earn.

[International Federation of Library Associations] Following a call for comments by the government of New Zealand Te Aotearoa on draft legislation designed to implement the Marrakesh Treaty, IFLA has made a submission. This highlights the need to reject provisions that go beyond what the Treaty requires, and to respect the fundamental principle of non-discrimination.

[Teresa Nobre] In the age of connectivity, it is not enough to fight for better copyright laws for users in certain regions of the world. We need to advocate for baseline international standards that allow cross-border uses of copyrighted materials, for purposes such as access to knowledge and education, in each and every country of the world. That is why public interest advocates, Communia included, keep investing their energies in the international discussions on copyright exceptions, using their capacities of permanent observers of the WIPO’s Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR).