Bulletin Board
Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Comes into Force
15 October 2008
Filed under: New Zealand Industry News
Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Comes into Force
Associate Commerce Minister Judith Tizard has announced that recent amendments to copyright legislation will soon come into force. The amendments update New Zealand’s copyright law to reflect current advances in digital technology. “The Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act 2008 will ensure our copyright laws keep up to speed with the dynamic nature of digital technology,” Judith Tizard said.
The new copyright provisions are part of the Labour-led government’s goal of promoting innovation, creativity and economic growth. The amendments support the needs of business by improving clarity and certainty over the scope and enforcement of intellectual property rights. “A robust, up to date intellectual property rights regime is an essential part of an innovative, growing economy,” said Judith Tizard. "This Act helps protect the intellectual property of creative workers in the face of changing technology, so that both creators and viewers of cultural products can all go on enjoying these things that enrich our lives."
Section 92A of the Act contains a requirement for internet service providers to have, and reasonably implement, a policy for termination of accounts of repeat copyright infringers in appropriate circumstances. The Minister said that the Act will come into force as a whole on 31 October 2008 with the exception of section 92A which comes into force on 28 February 2009.
Judith Tizard said the reason for the delay to section 92A is to enable rights holders and internet service providers (ISPs) time to reach agreement on how it can be effectively implemented. Judith Tizard and Communications and Information Technology Minister, David Cunliffe, will meet with ICT industry representatives to discuss issues associated with the policy’s implementation.