Media release
20/11/09
DACS welcomes the Government's modernisation of copyright
DACS, the Design and Artists Copyright Society, today welcomed the Government's publication of the Digital Economy Bill, in particular the provisions for the modernisation of the copyright licensing system and access to orphan works.
The bill paves the way for the introduction of extended collective licensing which will make it simpler for visual works to be made available, while ensuring creators' rights are respected.
DACS Chief Executive Gilane Tawadros says: 'We welcome efforts by the Government to improve copyright licensing systems. The Digital Economy Bill will not only allow the public access to a wealth of creativity in the UK, but will also support creators by ensuring they are fairly remunerated and their rights respected.
'While we support the Government's move to unlock access to the millions of orphan works in the UK, we are keen to ensure that in the implementation of the law, that the administrative expertise and transparency of collecting societies is not overlooked in ensuring efficient management of such systems.'
For media enquiries please contact: Tania Spriggens Director of Communications at DACS: Tel. 020 7553 9052, Mob. 07765 457 845 or Email tania@dacs.org.uk
Note to editors:
Established by artists for artists, the Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS) is a not-for-profit rights management agency. DACS translates rights into revenues and recognition for a wide spectrum of visual creators so that they and their work are properly valued. DACS offers three core rights management services – Copyright Licensing, Artist’s Resale Right and Collective Licensing – in addition to its lobbying, advocacy and legal advice service for visual creators. In 2008, DACS collected over £9m on behalf of 55,000 visual creators. www.dacs.org.uk