JISC calls for our views on digital copyright licensing

FE and HE institutions have an opportunity to contribute their views on copyright licensing in the UK as Richard Hooper issues a call for evidence as part of the independent feasibility study into the development of a Digital Copyright Exchange for the UK (DCE).

The feasibility study will be conducted in two parts. The first phase will consider in further detail the issues highlighted in the Hargreaves Review surrounding copyright licensing in and for the digital age, including setting out clear definitions of the roles played by creators, businesses, rights management organisations and consumers.

The second phase will examine and recommend solutions to the issues raised. The establishment of a DCE, a digital market place where licences in copyright content can be readily bought and sold was one of the recommendations made by the Hargreaves Review which would simplify rights clearance in providing access to materials in FE and HE institutions and is considered by some stakeholders to be a strong potential solution.

Universities and FE and HE colleges which participate in the call for evidence are invited to respond to two questions:

• whether they agree with the 'Hargreaves Hypothesis' - that the current copyright licensing system is not fit for purpose for the digital age;
• whether they agree with the feasibility study's proposed definitions, including the market definition.

The closing date for receipt of evidence is Friday 10 February 2012.

Further details on the call for evidence can be found on the IPO's website.

For further information on the potential impact of the Hargreaves Review on FE and HE see JISC Legal's own guidance