The Government has initiated a review of the Copyright Act originally scheduled for 2013 to assess the impact of the 2008 Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act.
When the process that led to the 2008 Act was initiated in 2003 the Government said the Act would be reviewed to test its effectiveness five years after passage. However in 2013 it was decided to delay the review until Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations had been concluded. Copyright changes required under TPP were implemented in December 2016.
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, Jacqui Dean has released terms of reference for the review, saying: “It is important we ensure our copyright regime is fit for purpose in today’s rapidly changing technological environment.”
She said the review would also build on the insights of the Government’s study of the role of copyright and designs in the creative sector, completed last year. The Government is still seeking feedback on that study.
“The Study highlighted a range of opportunities and challenges faced by users, creators and owners of digital content. This review will look into these opportunities and challenges to ensure we have the right settings in New Zealand.”
Dean said the terms of reference provided an outline of the objectives, context and process for the review and would be further refined with industry feedback on an issues paper.
“I want stakeholders to get involved in the early stages of the review. In the coming months we will develop the issues paper and will be looking to engage with the wider industry.”
The issues paper is due to be available early in 2018. The Government has given no indication of the timeframe for release of a draft bill.
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