Skip to main content

Issue Briefs

LCA Releases Issue Brief on Streaming of Films for Educational Purposes

On February 19, 2010, the Library Copyright Alliance (LCA) released an issue brief that reviews the legal status of streaming entire films to students located outside of physical classrooms. The discussion was prompted by recent news of a disagreement between the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a media equipment trade association over the streaming of films to students...

View Post View Document

Issue Brief on ACTA

On October 15, 2009, Janice Pilch authored an issue brief on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) – a proposed international agreement aimed at creating a stronger framework for global enforcement of intellectual property rights, with a scope covering counterfeit trademarked goods and infringing copyrighted works – and the concerns for libraries.

View Post View Document

Issue Brief for Treaty for Improved Access for Blind, Visually Impaired, and Other Reading Disabled Persons, October 12, 2009

A proposed WIPO Treaty is aimed at providing a minimum standard for copyright laws internationally to ensure full and equal access to information for blind and other reading disabled persons. Copyright laws worldwide need to be changed to allow for full and equal access to copyrighted works. This means greater flexibility for creating affordable accessible works at the same time...

View Post View Document

Issue Brief – International Copyright: Why It Matters to Libraries, October 12, 2009

Libraries share a unique social responsibility for preservation of and access to the world’s intellectual heritage, they have an interest in promoting copyright laws that provide the broadest possible use of information for creativity, research and education. The Library Copyright Alliance (LCA) is working to address an increasing number of international legal and policy issues that affect libraries and the...

View Post View Document

Issue Brief for Concerns Regarding Traditional Cultural Expression, July 22, 2009

The Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) on Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Traditional Cultural Expressions/Folklore is another focal point of the World Intellectual Property Organization. The IGC is charged with studying the policy positions of legal management and protection of certain cultural works created by indigenous communities. Should copyright law (or something like it) be used to protect these works? How does...

View Post View Document

Issue brief for the WIPO Development Agenda, June 17, 2009

The WIPO Development Agenda is a set of 45 recommendations adopted on September 28, 2007 by the WIPO General Assembly, aimed to address the interests and needs of developing and least developed countries within the international intellectual property system. It originated in an effort to ensure that intellectual property law and policy continue to serve the public good by encouraging...

View Post View Document