Gowers Review Of Intellectual Property

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) welcomes the recent publication of the Gowers Review of Government policy on Intellectual property. This is a far-reaching review with significant recommendations for museums, libraries and archives, which include:

"¢ retaining the 50 year term of protection for sound recordings

"¢ enabling the copying of resources for long-term preservation

"¢ introducing wide-ranging exceptions for learners

"¢ outlining proposals for dealing with 'orphan' works

MLA is pleased with the emphasis the review places on the UK's economic competitiveness which is increasingly driven by knowledge-based industries, especially in manufacturing, science-based sectors and the creative industries. The recent report Museums and Galleries in Britain: Economic, Social and Creative Impacts, by Tony Travers of the London School of Economics, reviewed the economic, social and creative impacts of museums and galleries in Britain and stressed that the role of museums and galleries in promoting and encouraging creativity should not be overlooked.

Chris Batt, MLA Chief Executive, said, "The MLA welcomes the Gowers review and we look forward to working in partnership with sector bodies and the new Strategic Board for IP Policy on the implementation of the Review. We will continue to discuss issues that are still to be resolved, including ensuring that access to materials by the visually impaired, and, long-term preservation, are not affected either by contractual terms or by digital rights management systems." -- www.mla.gov.uk