Review of the EU copyright framework : the implementation, application and effects of the "InfoSoc" Directive (2001/29/EC) and of its related instruments : European implementation assessment

This European Implementation Assessment aims to provide briefing for the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) ahead of the publication of the Commission's legislative proposals concerning the modernisation of the EU copyright framework, which are expected towards the end of 2015. The specific objective is to help JURI Members achieve a better understanding of the actual gaps and weaknesses in the existing EU copyright framework. For this European Implementation Assessment, input was received from three independent external contractors: A consortium led by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) with Economisti Associati as consortium partner; Milieu Ltd; and, Valdani Vicari & Associati (VVA) with the involvement of KEA European Affairs as a subcontractor. This European Implementation Assessment is divided into an Ex-Post Impact Assessment study and three EU Added Value briefing papers, which are included as annexes. The Ex-Post Impact Assessment focuses on the implementation, application and effects of the information society Directive 2001/29/EC (InfoSoc), and of its related instruments. The three additional briefing papers investigate the EU Added Value of modernising the InfoSoc Directive and its related instruments, each one focussing on a general theme in EU copyright policy, and suggesting possible options for reform, namely: 1. The legal aspects of copyright covering, amongst others, the expected effects of any further harmonisation of the existing copyright framework, effects on other EU policies, and of the choice in legal basis. 2. The internal market aspects of copyright relating to inter alia territorial licencing, geo-blocking, exceptions and limitations. 3. The industry and industrial relations aspects of copyright, looking in particular at the copyright value chain and fair remuneration or compensation of artists, authors, content owners, as well as tackling infringements and enforcement mechanisms. The introduction presents an overall analysis and summary of findings. This aims to highlight key overall findings as well as making sure these findings are presented in an easy format for MEPs, and in particular, that the overall evaluation highlights the benefits and problems with the InfoSoc Directive and its related instruments and the main options for reform, which the briefing papers have identified.