Insights Intellectual Property Office publishes Government response to technical consultation on legislative changes needed as a result of the repeal of s 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

Section 52 of the CDPA was repealed on 28 July 2016. It limited the term of copyright protection for industrially manufactured artistic works to 25 years.

The Government’s technical consultation outlined consequential amendments to Schedule 1 of the CDPA and Regulation 16 of the Duration of Copyright and Rights in Performances Regulations 1995. It also outlined the repeal of Regulations 24, 25, 34 and 35 of the 1995 Regulations. These Regulations establish compulsory licensing of works in which revived copyright subsists. Transitional arrangements for their repeal were also provided.

Following the consultation, the Government has concluded that:

  • paragraphs 5 and 6(1) of Schedule 1 CDPA, and Regulation 16 of the 1995 Regulations will be amended as planned; and
  • Regulations 24, 25, 34 and 35 will be repealed as planned, and transitional provisions will be provided for their repeal.

The changes will come into effect on the next common commencement date, 6 April 2017. The Government has also published guidance on the repeal of s 52 CDPA in order to assist businesses, organisations and individuals affected by the repeal and the upcoming technical changes to Schedule 1 CDPA and Regulation 16 of the 1995 Regulations. For a link to the Government’s response, click here.

Topics