are even more disadvantaged by the current arrangements. In NSW alone, there are more than 7.7 million internet sessions each year in public libraries. Yet these libraries receive less legal protection when their systems are used for illegal activities than commercial ISPs. Furthermore, libraries and archives do not have the resources or expertise to deal with copyright infringements on a case-by-case basis, and many are unclear what to do when they are alerted to alleged illegal activities undertaken over their systems. They would therefore benefit significantly from the clarity that the safe harbour scheme would provide regarding processes such as notice and takedown. Online Infringement Finally, we strongly support the conclusion that timely and cost-effective access Commission’s to copyright-protected works is the most efficient and effective way to reduce online copyright infringement. As we said in our original submission (p.18), access to ebooks has been severely limited by geographic licensing, and publishers have historically refused to license ebooks to libraries. The ALCC welcomes any move that encourages copyright owners in all sectors - film, music and books - to increase diversity of access to their materials through all distribution methods available. In Conclusion The ALCC supports the overall aim of the copyright recommendations, to create Commission’s a copyright system that reflects the public good, promotes innovation and is flexible enough to accommodate technological changes - whilst also supporting the rights of creators to be rewarded for their works.
are even more disadvantaged by the current arrangements. In NSW alone, there are more than 7.7 million internet sessions each year in public libraries. Yet these libraries receive less legal protection when their systems are used for illegal activities than commercial ISPs. Furthermore, libraries and archives do not have the resources or expertise to deal with copyright infringements on a case-by-case basis, and many are unclear what to do when they are alerted to alleged illegal activities undertaken over their systems. They would therefore benefit significantly from the clarity that the safe harbour scheme would provide regarding processes such as notice and takedown. Online Infringement Finally, we strongly support the Commission’s conclusion that timely and cost-effective access to copyright-protected works is the most efficient and effective way to reduce online copyright infringement. As we said in our original submission (p.18), access to ebooks has been severely limited by geographic licensing, and publishers have historically refused to license ebooks to libraries. The ALCC welcomes any move that encourages copyright owners in all sectors - film, music and books - to increase diversity of access to their materials through all distribution methods available. In Conclusion The ALCC supports the overall aim of the Commission’s copyright recommendations, to create a copyright system that reflects the public good, promotes innovation and is flexible enough to accommodate technological changes - whilst also supporting the rights of creators to be rewarded for their works.
subdr602-intellectual-property.docx