PPL has been closely involved in the consultation of the Hargreaves Report on intellectual property.

Background
In November 2010 the government announced an independent review of intellectual property to improve the framework for the digital market. The Review of IP and Growth, led by Professor Ian Hargreaves, was published on 18 May 2011.

The Hargreaves Report rejected imposing US-style ‘fair use’ policy and instead made a number of proposals to facilitate digital business and build on the UK’s creative industries.

PPL’s response
PPL said: “We welcome any initiative that makes licensing easier and more effective for users and rights holders. In recent years, PPL has pioneered new licensing arrangements through multi-territory licensing of streaming services and joint licensing with PRS for Music for DJs, schools, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations, powered by a globally-enabled recordings database.

"The biggest challenge now remains in completing reform of the Copyright Tribunal to open up new licensing models. There is a real opportunity for the Tribunal to become expert in assessing a fair and realistic economic value of copyright."

The CBI, Creative Coalition and UK Music have also commented on the Hargreaves Report. Creators, businesses and others have welcomed the rejection of US-style ‘fair use’ but urged the Government to back industry-led initiatives rather than regulatory fixes.