A couple of interesting and important documents for museums anywhere are available at http://www.collectionslink.org.uk/get_to_grips_with_copyright
For context: ------------------------------------ UK Intellectual Property Office Consultation Offers Hope for Museums http://www.collectionstrust.org.uk/pr080110 Following discussions with MDA and other sector bodies, the UK Intellectual Property Office has launched a Copyright Exceptions Consultation which could significantly simplify the management of collections for museums. Launched on the 8th January at the British Library, the Consultation builds on the 2006 Gowers Review of Intellectual Property which proposed a number of modifications to existing rules to improve access to and use of copyright material. MDA has lobbied for two specific exceptions to copyright law, both of which are included in the Consultation document. These are: The ability for museums to make copies of works in their collections for the purposes of preservation Exemptions concerning the copying of parody-style works Naomi Korn, MDA IP Officer commented, 'MDA welcomes the inclusion of these potential exemptions in the Copyright Exemption Consultation document. Being able to copy works for preservation purposes would help the sector conserve their collections in perpetuity for the benefit of the nation. The exemption for parody-style works would mean that curators could handle these sometime complex works in confidence. MDA is working closely with the UK Intellectual Property Office and others to ensure that museums can make the most of their collections for their users while minimising the potential for infringing copyright.' The Copyright Exemptions Consultation runs to April 2008, and a copy of the full document is available to download at www.ipo.gov.uk/consult-copyrightexceptions.htm. Museums interested in MDA's work on Copyright can download a copy of the Intellectual Property Manifesto at www.collectionslink.org.uk/get_to_grips_with_copyright. ----------------------------------------------- Amalyah Keshet Chair, MCN IP SIG
