18 December 2007
The Minister for Economic Development, Senator Philip Ozouf, today launches a public consultation on the modernisation and expansion of Jersey’s intellectual property laws. These govern legal rights over material created from an idea or invention
The consultation process follows the meeting recently hosted by the Minister with leading organisations in the fields of e-commerce and intellectual property. The meeting was held to explore the opportunities arising from the development of improved intellectual property and e-commerce legislation, and to establish whether such development would help to drive economic activity.
This new draft legislation will bring Jersey into line with the law in other jurisdictions, and means the Island will be able to sign up to international conventions on copyright and related rights. This will ensure minimum standards of protection for creative works.
Draft laws going out to consultation are:
Copyright (Jersey) Law 200-, dealing with the right of the author, composer, artist or creator of an original work to prevent another from copying it. Copyright protects material, such as literature, art, music, sound recordings, films and broadcasts.
Design Right (Jersey) Law 200-, dealing with the right of the designer to prevent others from reproducing the design. Design refers to the visual appearance or eye appeal of products.
Performers’ Protection (Jersey) Law 200-, dealing with the right of the performer to prevent another from copying, recording, broadcasting, or making available a qualifying performance.
On launching the public consultation Senator Ozouf says, “Updating our copyright laws is a key driver in diversifying Jersey’s economy for the future. The creation of a vibrant e-business sector, underpinned by robust intellectual property legislation, will create a new sector, boost economic growth and create new jobs. The commercial sector and the existing financial and legal services will also benefit from this development. We are publishing 280 pages of legislation for consultation, making this a landmark exercise.”
The public consultation paper, including copies of the draft laws and supporting papers can be viewed online at www.gov.je/economicdevelopment. Hard copies of the document are available by contacting the Economic Development Department on 448136 or emailing j.perchard@gov.je. The consultation closes on 7 March 2008.
gov.je