Global Round up
Rights and wrongs
Global Round up
Anti-piracy bodies worldwide continue their fight against illegal copying and distribution of premium content , both in terms of direct agency action against offenders , as well as by lobbying legislators . Equally , educating the public as to the true cost of piracy is seen as in important weapon in the battle .
The IP Awareness Foundation , the Australian film and television industries ’ body for the promotion of copyright , creative rights , piracy research and education resources , has rebranded as ‘ Creative Content Australia ’. The organisation has expanded its membership , appointing long-time copyright advocate Graham Burke , co-executive chairman and co-chief executive officer of Village Roadshow as chair , and new directors Damian Keogh AM , CEO of the Hoyts Group and Jo Bladen , GM-Studios , The Walt Disney Studios .
Creative Content Australia ’ s Executive Director Lori Flekser , welcomed the appointment of the new members and Burke as Chair : “ The aim of our organisation has always been to contribute to a more informed debate about legal access to film and television content . Graham , Damian and Jo , along with our existing board members , are passionate about promoting the value of copyright . They are invaluable advocates of Creative Content Australia ’ s research , educational resources and consumer awareness campaigns . While we are starting to see a change in attitude towards piracy , there is still much work to be done .”
Burke said the IP Awareness Foundation had contributed significantly to the understanding of copyright and its role in Australian society . “ The research finds that Australians say they are now much more aware that the industry is increasingly making more movies and TV shows available in a timely and affordable way , and I ’ m looking forward to seeing Creative Content Australia produce new consumer campaigns to highlight the benefits of accessing content legally , as opposed to the great damage caused to our creative industry by piracy .”
Creative Content Australia will continue to add to the considerable body of research on piracy amassed by the organisation since 2007 and will expand distribution of key education resources about copyright to schools across Australia . SEMINAR . Marking the launch of the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office ’ s IP Enforcement Strategy , Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance ( AAPA ) and the IPO organised jointly a seminar in May 2016 on illegal streaming and the sale of illicit devices and to explore possible solutions . With a focus on the supply chain , the scale , scope and impact of this growing form of audiovisual piracy were discussed by participants from government , law enforcement and the industry . The seminar represented a further stage in a cooperative effort between AAPA and the IPO to stem the demand for , and flow of , devices ( mainly manufactured in China ), which facilitate unauthorised access to audiovisual content . Discussion focussed on how to make enforcement action more effective and efficient through the co-ordination and collection of evidence , collaboration and working across borders . The shared goal is to demonstrate to countries which are the source of this form of piracy that illegal streaming and the sale of illicit devices will not be tolerated .
“ Illegal streaming is emerging as the main threat to the audiovisual industry ,” declared Sheila Cassells , Executive Director , of AAPA . “ This harms not only the creative industries but also deprives governments of tax revenues and generates substantial revenues for organised criminals . Illegal streaming is a global problem , which requires a global response and AAPA works with Interpol and Europol on this issue . However , the activities of those agencies require the close involvement of a Member State and we value the IPO ’ s commitment to demonstrate leadership in tackling this problem . The seminar represents a further step in our collaboration with the IPO and we will be working with them to develop solutions and to encourage other Member States to adopt this approach .”
“ The creative industries are a major UK asset and the IPO is committed to ensuring their hard work is protected ,” confirmed Ros Lynch , copyright and IP enforcement director at the UK IPO . “ While increasing digitisation brings about many benefits to the UK economy , it also provides opportunities for infringers . Disrupting the manufacture and distribution of set-top boxes designed to stream illegal content is a major priority . Working together with consumers , right holders and our partners in law enforcement we will continue to disrupt and track down IP crime wherever it takes place .”
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