IP Watchlist Report 2010

Date:
April 2010
Source:
Consumers International

Copyright laws and enforcement practices around the world are changing rapidly.  But most often, the changes are for the benefit of rights holders only, disregarding consumers' interests in fair and affordable access to educational and cultural materials.  To help map global trends in this area, Consumers International surveyed 34 countries for its 2010 Intellectual Property (IP) Watchlist.

None of the countries surveyed scored the top mark, for affording their consumers fair treatment in copyright law overall.  Particular concerns included enforcement practices that infringe upon consumer rights, and compulsory copying levies that offer poor value for money.  However, the report also reveals some best practices that could turn the situation around for consumers, if only they were more widely implemented.

Download a copy of the report from Consumers International's Access to Knowledge website.

Consumers International is a grantee of the Open Society Institute Information Program.

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