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Copyright and industrial property
European Commission proposes ratification of Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to books for visually impaired persons
21/10/2014
The Treaty will ensure that books in formats such as Braille, large print, e-books and audio books with special navigation tools, produced under copyright exceptions, can be exchanged across borders, not only within the EU but also between the EU and third countries.
Commission wants to tackle unfair practices in the food supply chain
15/07/2014
The Communication on unfair trading practices (UTPs) in the food supply chain is addressed to stakeholders and Member States.
Green Paper on Geographical Indication protection at EU level for non-agricultural products
15/07/2014
The Commission launches public consultation on a possible extension of geographical indication protection to non-agricultural products. Names such as champagne or prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham) that identify agricultural products with specific characteristics attributable to their place of origin are protected at EU level.
The Commission presents actions to better protect and enforce intellectual property rights
01/07/2014
The European Commission adopted today two communications – an Action Plan to address infringements of intellectual property rights in the EU and a Strategy for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) in third countries.
Danish referendum on the Unified Patent Court: Commissioner Barnier welcomes the yes vote
26/05/2014
The Danish voted yesterday in a referendum in favour of joining the Unified Patent Court (UPC). Once the Danish Parliament ratifies the Agreement, Denmark will be the fifth Member State to have ratified it (after Austria, Belgium, France and Malta). The Agreement will enter into force once it has been ratified by 13 Member States.
European Union signs Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to books for visually impaired persons
30/04/2014
The Treaty will ensure that books in formats such as Braille, large print, e-books and audio books with special navigation tools, produced under copyright exceptions, can be exchanged across borders not only within the EU but also between the EU and third countries.
Statement by Commissioner Michel Barnier to mark World Intellectual Property Day 2014
25/04/2014
"Intellectual Property is the cornerstone for rebuilding the EU’s economy. From registration to enforcement, the EU needs efficient IP protection if it is to attract and invest in the creative and innovative talent that can create growth and sustainable employment. From creating ideas to translating them into knowledge and inventions to promote innovation and economic growth, IPRs help stimulate innovation, encourage investment and disseminate technology and other knowledge in socially beneficial ways."
New companies join the fight against illegal online sale of counterfeit goods
01/04/2014
The European Commission has today hosted the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Sale of Counterfeit Goods via the Internet by four new stakeholders.
Unified Patent Court: first agreement on the creation of a regional division for Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia
04/03/2014
“I welcome today’s agreement by Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia on the creation of a regional division of the Unified Patent Court (UPC). I am very pleased to see those countries taking the lead on this important aspect of the future UPC”. Statement by Commissioner Barnier.
Copyright: Representatives of the European art market commit to improving how the author resale right is managed
14/02/2014
On 17 February representatives of collecting management organisations, authors and art market professionals (art dealers, galleries, auctioneers) will sign a set of “Key Principles and Recommendations on the management of the Author Resale Right”, under the auspices of Commissioner Barnier.
Copyright must adapt to the Internet – Interview
10/02/2014
2014 will be a decisive year for the European Commission when it comes to the adaptation of copyright and intellectual property to the digital age. Commissioner Barnier takes stock of the ongoing legislative reforms. Interview by Charles de Laubier, © Édition Multimedi@
Commissioner Michel Barnier welcomes the European Parliament vote on the Directive on collective rights management
04/02/2014
“The Directive will modernise the functioning of collective management organisations. It will give rights holders the possibility to be more involved in the decision-making processes of their collective management organisations […] and ensure timely and accurate payments of royalties to rights holders. This Directive is a key step towards the completion of the Digital Single Market”. Statement by Commissioner Barnier.
Copyright ‑ European Commission launches public consultation
05/12/2013
The European Commission has launched today a public consultation as a part of the on-going effort to review and modernise the EU copyright rules. The consultation invites stakeholders to share their views on a number of issues: territoriality in the Internal Market, harmonisation, limitations and exceptions to copyright in the digital age; fragmentation of the EU copyright market; and how to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of enforcement.
Statement by Commissioner Barnier following the Competitiveness Council
02/12/2013
“I would like to congratulate the Lithuanian Presidency for its excellent work and significant progress in the negotiations on the different issues addressed at the Competitiveness Council”. Statement by Commissioner Barnier.
Commission proposes rules to help protect against the theft of confidential business information
28/11/2013
The new rules introduce a common definition of trade secrets, as well as means through which victims of trade secret misappropriation can obtain redress. They will make it easier for national courts to deal with the misappropriation of confidential business information, to remove the trade secret infringing products from the market and make it easier for victims to receive damages for illegal actions.
Intellectual property and modernisation of the business environment: two drivers of competitiveness in Europe.
25/11/2013
"Europe is, and must remain, a breeding ground for creativity, research and innovation". Speech by Commissioner Barnier to the European Parliament Legal Affairs Committee.
Licences for Europe: industry pledges solutions to make more content available in the Digital Single Market
13/11/2013
“Licences for Europe” is a stakeholder dialogue launched in February this year by the European Commission to deliver industry-led solutions to address practical barriers to the circulation of content in the digital age. The closing event of “Licences for Europe” took place today in Brussels. Participants made pledges to sort out problems that consumers, right holders, service providers, and end users face on a daily basis.
Collective rights management: Commissioner Barnier welcomes the agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council
05/11/2013
“This provisional agreement (...) lays the foundation for modern copyright licensing in the single market. The new directive will modernise the functioning of all collective management organisations across Europe and facilitate multi-territorial licensing of musical works for online use”. Statement by Commissioner Barnier.
Intellectual property: an engine for growth in Europe
17/10/2013
“More than a third of all jobs in Europe (...) depend either directly or indirectly on sectors that make intensive use of intellectual property”. Speech by M. Barnier at the Alliance for Intellectual Property Conference, in London.
Commissioner Barnier welcomes new Treaty ensuring equal access to books for visually impaired and print disabled persons
27/06/2013
The European Commission welcomed today the adoption of the Marrakech Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The adoption follows two weeks of negotiations at a WIPO Diplomatic Conference in Marrakech in which the EU played an active role to facilitate access to protected works by visually impaired persons within the existing international copyright framework.
Let’s make Europe a place of innovation
28/05/2013
“Our policy on innovation is not limited to the issue of the patent. It is my ambition to go further than this”. Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the European Inventor Awards ceremony in Amsterdam.
What is the European Commission doing to fight against organised crime and corruption in the single market?
27/05/2013
"Tax evasion, money laundering, corruption, counterfeiting, piracy, all threaten the integrity of the single market and the confidence of our citizens". Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the European Parliament's special commission on Organised Crime, Corruption and Money Laundering.
World Intellectual Property Day 2013 – "Creativity: the next generation”
26/04/2013
"To help empower our investors and creative minds (…) Europe needs to put in place a seamless, integrated Single Market for Intellectual Property Rights. We need a robust, economically efficient and coherent 'Intellectual Property infrastructure', covering proper legal recognition, simpler and more affordable registration, facilitated exploitation and effective enforcement of intellectual property rights". Statement by Commissioner Barnier on the occasion of the World Intellectual Property Day 2013.
Trade marks: Commission proposes easier access and stronger protection
27/03/2013
The European Commission has today presented a package of initiatives to make trade mark registration systems all over the European Union cheaper, quicker, more reliable and predictable.
Commission publishes a study on Geographical indication protection for non-agricultural products
22/03/2013
This study is a contribution to the European Commission’s evaluation of the feasibility of the protection of Geographical indications for non-agricultural products in the internal market. A public hearing on this subject is going to take place on 22 April 2013 in Brussels.
Single European Patent: a major achievement but there is still some way to go
18/02/2013
“After almost 40 years of discussions, we are finally set to provide Europe with a unitary patent for the 25 participating Member States. However, (...) we will be able to celebrate only when the first single European Patent has been issued.” Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the conference on the European Unitary Patent.
Why Global Markets Require Global Rules - and US-EU Cooperation
15/02/2013
“The authorities that regulate and supervise the world of finance must co-ordinate their work. And they must co-operate when they enforce rules”. Speech by Commissioner Barnier, at the Transatlantic Finance Initiative in New-York.
Licences for Europe: quality content and new opportunities for all Europeans in the digital era
04/02/2013
“The Web offers enormous potential for promoting the cultural wealth and diversity of our continent. However, the Internet also presents a challenge for those who create such content in their work, or who make it possible and accessible by means of their investments. The challenge is to establish new models of use and distribution which allow the creativity, efforts made and risks taken to be appropriately rewarded”. Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the launch of the “Licences for Europe” initiative.
Mediation on private copying and reprography levies: Antonió Vitorino presents his Recommendations
31/01/2013
The mediation process on private copying and reprography levies has concluded with the presentation today of the Mediator’s Recommendations to Commissioner Barnier.
Bringing online music within the reach of all Europeans
28/01/2013
“Whether consumers, investors or entrepreneurs, it is incomprehensible that Europeans are finding on the Internet obstacles they have been removing in the physical world for over 50 years”. Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the conference ’Music for everyone’ at MIDEM (International market for record and music publishing) event in Cannes.
Commission urges industry to deliver innovative solutions for greater access to online content
18/12/2012
The European Commission has today adopted a Communication which sets out parallel tracks of action to be undertaken during this Commission’s term of office to ensure that the EU’s copyright framework stays fit for purpose in the digital environment.
Misappropriation of trade secrets and confidential business information: Commission launches a consultation
11/12/2012
The main objective of this consultation is to gather views regarding redress against misappropriation of confidential business information used by companies and research bodies in the EU. Interested parties are invited to send their comments by 8 March 2013.
EU unitary patent: European Parliament and Council give green light
11/12/2012
The EU can at last get a single patent system after thirty years of trying: today, the European Parliament endorsed a Council presidency compromise on the patent reform package which was agreed yesterday at the Competitiveness Council. The new unitary patent will radically reduce, by up to 80%, translation and related costs for obtaining patent protection in the EU.
Copyright in the digital age: the next steps
06/12/2012
“We would like to spark a genuine debate in this area, one that is firmly based on facts. A frank exchange of views that allows us to identify practical and lasting solutions to well-recognised problems (…) This is why the Commission decided yesterday to launch the initiative 'Licensing Europe', for which I have high hopes”. Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the European Parliament “IP Forum”.
Commission agrees way forward for modernising copyright in the digital economy
05/12/2012
At the initiative of President Barroso, the European Commission has today held an orientation debate on content in the digital economy.
European patent: speech before the Legal Affairs Committee of European Parliament
19/11/2012
“The economic outlook in Europe - as everyone knows - is not very encouraging. Now more than ever, we need to send a positive message to the companies that are investing in tomorrow’s economic growth. The creation of a unitary patent would represent a concrete - but also a symbolic - step in this direction”.
Making European copyright fit for purpose in the age of internet
07/11/2012
“In 1992, we never imagined that one day we would be able to read our favourite newspaper, discover new music or watch a film anytime, anywhere, on any device - a laptop, a tablet or a phone. We could not imagine the opportunities. Or indeed the challenges that would arise. In particular from a European perspective. Copyright is at the heart of these opportunities and challenges.”. Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the Launch event of the CEPS Digital Forum Taskforce on Copyright in the EU Digital Single Market.
Commissioner Barnier welcomes final adoption of the Orphan Works Directive
04/10/2012
”Today's adoption of the Orphan Works Directive is a significant achievement in our efforts to create a digital single market. It will enable easy online access for all citizens to our cultural heritage. The swift and successful outcome of the legislative process and the broad consensus reached both in the Council and the Parliament prove that by working together we can agree on measures to ensure that the EU copyright rules are fit for purpose in the digital age. Alongside other achievements such as the European Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the mass digitisation of out-of-commerce books, this Directive is one more step in making licensing and online access to cultural content easier.“
Intellectual Property: Commissioner Michel Barnier determined to ensure equal access to books for visually impaired persons
24/07/2012
"Our objective is to ensure that visually impaired people can access books as easily as other people. This means making books accessible to them at the same time and at the same price”.
Copyright: Commission proposes easier music licensing in the single market
11/07/2012
Consumer demand for music does not recognise borders or national restrictions. Neither do the online services used to access them. The European Commission has today proposed new rules to modernise the transparency and efficiency of collecting societies. Collecting societies will need to modernise to make sure that music is more readily available to consumers on-line, that revenue is correctly collected and fairly distributed to authors, and to make it easier for service providers to roll out new services.
Treaty on the protection of audiovisual performances: Commissioner Barnier welcomes the agreement
26/06/2012
"The agreement reached on this treaty today in Beijing is very important because it is the first international treaty in the area of copyright concluded within the WIPO since 1996". Statement by Commissioner Barnier on the agreement reached on an international treaty for the protection of artists in the audiovisual sector.
Orphan Works Directive: Commissioner Barnier welcomes trilogue agreement by Council and Parliament
06/06/2012
Orphan works are those which are protected by copyright, but whose creators cannot be identified or found. The new Directive on orphan works will provide public libraries and museums with the appropriate legal framework to digitise, preserve and put on-line the cultural treasures they have in their collections.
ACTA: Interview with Michel Barnier
29/05/2012
"Many people associate ACTA with piracy and the Internet alone, but we must remember that it is also about counterfeiting (…) Behind the need to respect certain rules, there is the issue of protecting jobs". Interview by Guerric Poncet. Le Point.fr.
A digital pact for Europe: Striking a balance between the expectations of users, artists and content providers
11/05/2012
"Our initiatives have one thing in common: they all aim for a clearer application of copyright rules by striking a good balance between providing the widest selection of works online and ensuring fair compensation for artists." Speech by Commissioner Barnier to "LetsGoConnected".
Mediation process begins on private copying and reprography levies
02/04/2012
António Vitorino, a former Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Portugal as well as a former European Commissioner responsible for Justice and Home Affairs, launches today a mediation process on private copying and reprography levies. This mediation was announced in May last year in the Commission's Communication on A Single Market for Intellectual Property Rights.
Commissioner Barnier welcomes the strengthening of intellectual property rights body
22/03/2012
"I am very pleased that, today, the Council has adopted an EU Regulation entrusting the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM) with new tasks. This marks an important step that should allow us to develop a better understanding of the impact of intellectual property right (IPR) infringements on the EU economy…
Intellectual property rights: Winners of "Hands off my Design" competition announced
01/02/2012
Counterfeiting and piracy are a growing threat for the economy. In order to draw attention to this phenomenon the European Observatory on Counterfeiting and Piracy launched an EU-wide contest named "Hands off my Design". Design students and professionals were asked to submit posters and videos.
Commission publishes studies on parasitic copying and protection of trade secrets
13/01/2012
The European Commission has published a study on the existing national legal protection in the EU Member States against parasitic copying - the practice of marketing products which are designed to look like pre-existing products of well established brands. The Commission also published a study on the legal protection of trade secrets.
European patent: Statement by Commissioner Barnier
11/01/2012
25 Member States and the European Parliament have agreed to create a single European patent. The Council reached agreement on everything, except for where the Court headquarters will be located ...
A week with Commissioner Barnier: interview on intellectual property
08/12/2011
Video interview with Commissioner Barnier on intellectual property. viEUws.
Commissioner Barnier appoints Mr. António Vitorino as a mediator in the dialogue on private copying levies
23/11/2011
"I have proposed to Mr. António Vitorino, former European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs, to take up the mission of mediator to lead the process of the stakeholder dialogue on private copying levies." Statement by Commissioner Barnier.
Towards a single market that protects the press and offers it new opportunities
08/11/2011
"Protecting copyright and reducing VAT rates are essential if the press is to be allowed to create new business models." Speech by Commissioner Barnier before the European Newspaper Publishers' Association (ENPA).
Copyright: Commission brokers agreement to increase the number of out-of-commerce books being made available again
20/09/2011
Commissioner Barnier presided today over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in which libraries, publishers, authors, and their collecting societies have agreed to give European libraries and similar institutions the possibility to digitise and make available on line out-of-commerce books and learned journals.
Copyright: Extension of the term of protection for performers
12/09/2011
"Today's decision to increase the term of protection for musicians' copyright from 50 to 70 years will make a real difference for performers". Statement by Commissioner Barnier on the adoption of the copyright extension for performers.
Commission consults on how best to seize the opportunities for TV and film in the online age
13/07/2011
"I want to ensure that Europeans can seize the opportunities offered by the internet. It is important for me to hear the views of all stakeholders concerned – creators, performers, producers, distributors and consumers"...
Unitary patent protection: Joint Statement of Commissioner Barnier and Minister of State Zoltán Cséfalvay, Chairman of the Competitiveness Council
27/06/2011
Today the Council took a crucial step in improving the European patent system. Member States have agreed on the two regulations implementing enhanced cooperation in the area of unitary patent protection.
Unitary patent protection: Extraordinary Competitiveness Council
24/06/2011
An extraordinary meeting of the Competitiveness Council will be held in Luxembourg on Monday, 27 June under the chairmanship of Mr Zoltán Cséfalvay, Minister of State for Strategic Affairs of Hungary. The Council will focus on the general approach to be reached on unitary patent protection. The European Commission will be represented by Commissioner Barnier.
« Il n’est pas prévu que l’Observatoire du piratage agisse comme une “Hadopi européenne” » - Interview
13/06/2011
Le Commissaire Barnier répond en exclusivité aux questions de Edition Multimédi@ : l’ACTA ne sera pas plus contraignant que la future directive DPI, notamment en matière de coopération des FAI dans la lutte contre le piratage sur Internet. propos receuillis par Charles de Laubier, © Edition Multimédi@
To be or not to be : Copyright makes all the difference
08/06/2011
Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the World Copyright Summit, Brussels.
Boosting creativity and innovation: Commission sets out a blueprint for Intellectual Property Rights
24/05/2011
As part of the Single Market Act, the Commission unveiled today a wide-ranging strategy to modernise intellectual property rights (IPR) in the Single Market. Among the first deliverables of this strategy are today's proposals for an easier licensing system for so-called "orphan works", a new regulation to reinforce customs actions in fighting trade of IPR infringing goods, and a new proposal to reinforce the European Observatory on Counterfeiting and Piracy.
European Inventor Award 2011
19/05/2011
The European Inventor Award 2011 goes to pioneers in medical research and implant technology, clean energy, construction and water purification.
Commission proposes unitary patent protection to boost research and innovation
13/04/2011
As part of the Single Market Act presented today, the European Commission has tabled today a package of two legislative proposals, under enhanced cooperation, that will radically reduce the cost of patents in Europe by up to 80%.
Competitiveness Council on Single Market Act and European Patent
10/03/2011
Today's Competitiveness Council gave its green light to launch an enhanced cooperation among Member States for the creation of a unitary patent title. The Council also exchanged views on the 'Single Market Act' and the results of the public debate launched by the Commission during the last four months.
Patent Court: the Commission welcomes the delivery of the Court of Justice's opinion
08/03/2011
The European Commission welcomes the delivery today of the opinion of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) on the compatibility of the envisaged agreement on the European and EU Patent Court with the EU Treaties. Now that the opinion is available, the Commission will analyse it very carefully with a view to identifying appropriate solutions.
European Inventor Award 2011
03/03/2011
The fifteen nominations for the European Inventor Award 2011 cover a vast span of pioneering technological solutions. Europe's most prestigious innovation prize will be awarded in five categories on 19 May in Budapest.
A decisive vote to simplify life for European businesses and inventors
15/02/2011
Statement by Commissioner Barnier following today's vote in the European Parliament on the EU Patent.
Copyright: Interview with Michel Barnier
03/02/2011
Commissioner Barnier will present a draft law on collective rights management in spring, another one on orphan works and a discussion paper on the distribition of audiovisual works. Interview by B. De Mondenard. Design: C. Zask. Photography: M. Raffard. © Astérisque, la Lettre de la Scam.
Copyright in the digital era
22/01/2011
"My ambition, and that of my colleagues of the European Commission, is to ensure that the great opportunities afforded by the single market can benefit all creators, all artists and with them all citizens". Speech by Commissioner Barnier at MidemNet in Cannes.
Pay-TV services: Commission proposes to ratify the Council of Europe "Conditional Access" Convention to strengthen protection against piracy
15/12/2010
In its efforts to further step up the EU's fight against piracy, the European Commission has proposed today to the Member States of the European Union to sign and ratify the Council of Europe's Convention on conditional access systems...
Patents: Commission opens the way for some Member States to move forward on a unitary patent
14/12/2010
Today the European Commission presented a proposal opening the way for “enhanced cooperation” to create unitary patent protection in the EU. Such unitary patent protection would allow those Member States that so desired to agree to establish a patent, valid in all participating countries, that could be obtained with a single application.
Single Market Act, EU patent and gambling: results of the Competitiveness Council
10/12/2010
During the Competitiveness Council of 10 December ministers discussed on the way forward for the establishment of a unified EU patent system. A large majority of delegations considered that an enhanced cooperation is the only option for moving ahead on this issue. The Council also adopted conclusions on the ‘Single Market Act’ and on gambling.
Towards a European strategy for intellectual property rights
02/12/2010
At the Pan-European Intellectual Property Summit in Brussels, Commissioner Barnier talked about the grand challenges and the concrete measures the European Commission will propose in order to serve innovative businesses, artists and consumers.
EU Patent: Several Member States indicate their support for enhanced cooperation
25/11/2010
Statement by Commissioner Barnier on the outcome of the Competitiveness Council on the issue of the European patent.
Statement of Commissioner Barnier on the outcome of the extraordinary Competitiveness Council on the issue of the European patent
10/11/2010
Today's discussions show once again, unfortunately, that a compromise at 27 seems impossible to reach.
We must all acknowledge this!
I would like to underline that the failure of these discussions has serious consequences.
2% Growth Possible
21/10/2010
The European patent, the re-launch of the single market and Poland's preparations for the EU Presidency were the topics discussed by Commissioner Barnier during his visit to Warsaw. "If the single market can be made to work better, we can find two percent of economic growth that we are currently missing" said Barnier at a joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar Pawlak.
Commissioner Barnier welcomes agreement on greater access to books for the visually impaired
14/09/2010
Commissioner Barnier presided today over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on access to works for dyslexic or visually impaired readers.
Patents: Commission proposes translation arrangements for future EU Patent (IP/10/870)
01/07/2010
Patents: Commission proposes translation arrangements for the EU patent – Frequently Asked Questions (MEMO/10/291)
01/07/2010
Commission proposes translation arrangements for future EU Patent
01/07/2010
Commissioner Barnier has presented today a proposal on translation arrangements for a future EU Patent, the final element needed for a single EU Patent to become a reality.
Barnier wants to make work of the European Patent - Interview
01/07/2010
Obtaining a patent in Europe costs ten times more than one in the US. Commissioner Barnier proposes a simplified language system and relies on the Belgian Presidency to resolve the European patent's thirty-year deadlock. Interview by Kris Van Haver, De Tijd.
Intellectual property rights: Parliament and the Commission award prizes for winners of Real FAKE competition (IP/10/785)
23/06/2010
Counterfeiting and Piracy - frequently asked questions (MEMO/10/272)
23/06/2010
"REAL fake" competition: Parliament and the Commission award prizes
23/06/2010
Commissioner Barnier and members of the European Parliament awarded prizes to the winners of the "REAL Fake" competition for schools. This competition was a first step in a larger public awareness campaign that is being launched by the European Union to make Europeans more aware of the dangers of counterfeit and pirated goods and their harmful effects on consumers and the economy.
Fighting the dangers of counterfeiting in Europe’s Internal Market - Article
18/05/2010
If we really want to put an end to counterfeiting, we will need much more than good laws. Article by M. Barnier, The European files.
Towards more efficient copyright management
17/03/2010
Video-message by M. Barnier to the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) annual conference.
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