socialmedian: EU threatens US on copyright

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EU threatens US on copyright

Source: The Guardian

Jul 29, 2009

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paidContent: The European Commission has threatened to stop working with the U.S. against piracy if the U.S doesn't make its copyright laws fairer to European artists

The European Commission has threatened to stop cooperating with the U.S. in the fight against piracy if the U.S doesn't make its copyright laws fairer to European artists. The commission, in a report titled United States Barriers to Trade and Investment 2008 (pdf, via Intellectual Property Watch), warns that the EU is prepared to "suspend trade benefits granted to the U.S." if its domestic Copyright Act is not updated to fit World Trade Organisation rules.
Email and phone messages left with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office on Tuesday seeking comment weren't returned.

Currently, EU artists and content owners receive money for performances and broadcasts of copyrighted songs at large-scale events and performances—but section 110(5) of the U.S. Copyright Act specifically exempts American small businesses from having to pay royalties. The rules say that long as it's without "direct or indirect co

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