Widen UK’s copyright exceptions regime for text- and data-mining

In November 2010 the Prime Minister David Cameron announced an independent review of how the Intellectual Property framework supports growth and innovation.

Chaired by Professor Ian Hargreaves and assisted by a panel of experts, the review reported to Government in May 2011 : «Digital Opportunity: A review of intellectual property and growth».

Extract of the Government response:

The Government will therefore bring forward proposals in autumn 2011 for a substantial opening up of the UK’s copyright exceptions regime on this basis. This will include proposals for a limited private copying exception; to widen the exception for noncommercial research, which should also cover both text- and data-mining to the extent permissible under EU law; to widen the exception for library archiving; and to introduce an exception for parody. We are committed to doing so in ways that do not prejudice the provision of appropriate incentives for creation of works through the copyright system and will consult widely on the basis of sound evidence.