CIPPM to deliver research into open norms as part of the Knowledge Rights 21 Programme

A research team led by Prof. Dinusha Mendis, Director at the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy and Management at Bournemouth University, has been selected to carry out a research project looking at the experience of those countries around the world which have adopted open approaches to copyright experiences, and the scope for adopting the same in Europe. 

Flexibility is an essential attribute of laws that can adapt to evolving technologies, uses and user expectations around copyrighted works. Based on an assessment against a set of factors, rather than prescriptive rules, regimes that take this approach aim to move with the times while maintaining an overall balance between the interests of rightsholders and users.

However, it is regularly claimed that more open approaches to copyright exceptions, as exist in a number of countries around the world, are not desirable or achievable in Europe. There are also loud and often unsubstantiated arguments that such open norms lead to disastrous consequences for the creative industries.

To help fill the evidence gap in this space and allow for a more fact-based approach to discussions around open norms, the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy and Management, Bournemouth University, has been commissioned to prepare a report by the Knowledge Rights 21 Programme. A research team consisting of Prof. Dinusha Mendis, Dr Dukki Hong and Mr Ben White will carry out the project.

CIPPM is a highly specialised research centre with over 20 years of experience in all areas of intellectual property law and a strong European vocation. In 2018 it became a Jean-Monnet Centre of Excellence in European Intellectual Property and Information Rights, co-funded by the European Commission. CIPPM has a strong reputation for delivering funded collaborative projects and has worked extensively with UK and EU funding bodies.

The report will bring together evidence and experience about the effects of open norms on education and research in those countries which have adopted such rules, as well as explore where there may be scope for introducing flexibilities within Europe. 

We look forward to sharing findings which can support better policy-making around copyright. 

[Photo by KOBU Agency on Unsplash]