EU Parliament Rules on Digital Copyright

The European Parliament on Wednesday approved laws concerning copyright of digital properties.

According to a report released by the EU Parliament "authors, performers, producers and broadcasting organizations will in principle, enjoy exclusive rights regarding the reproduction, communication and dissemination of their work."

Several exceptions were outlined, such as in the case of the incidental or temporary copies which are made during streaming. Whether this incidental copy is subject to copyright fees is still under debate in the U.S.

Other exceptions which the EU Parliament left open to Member State's to delineate, cover copies made for uses such as libraries or research. "In some cases these exceptions or limitations are only allowed on condition that the rightholder receives 'fair compensation'; in others again, that the source, including the author's name, is indicated," stated the Parliament report.