ISPA notes today's statement from UK Film and TV producers calling for the Government to take action to tackle potential online copyright infringement.
ISPA has previously stated its preference for an industry-led system based on the agreement of providers from across the Internet industry and stands ready to facilitate the involvement of a greater number of ISPs in discussions. This remains ISPA’s view and additional legislation on IPR enforcement should be a last resort.
ISPA supports rights holders’ right to enforce their intellectual property rights and has been engaged since the publication of the Gower's Review in December 2006 in extensive discussions with relevant stakeholders. ISPA continues to advocate positive and proactive cooperation between the Internet and rights holder industries to reach a common way forward. Government noted in its July consultation document that enforcement is one tool and that consumer education and the availability of legal remedies are also essential factors in combating online copyright infringement. This continues to be ISPA's view.
The Internet provides tremendous opportunities to make more music and video available in legal and efficient ways. ISPA believes music, film and software industry rights holders should continue to embrace the Internet and the opportunities it offers to disseminate their materials efficiently, legally and profitably.
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Notes to the editor:
The Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA) was established in 1995 as a trade association to represent providers of Internet services in the UK. ISPA promotes competition, self-regulation and the development of the Internet industry. For a list of members or other information about ISPA, please consult the website: www.ispa.org.uk.
The views expressed in this release are those of the Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA) and do not necessarily reflect the corporate policies of the individual companies that are members of the Association or other organisations that may be mentioned in the release. For further editorial information please contact the ISPA Press Office (020 7340 4535).