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Day: 30 May 2016

The economic cost of IPR infringement in the recorded music industry

Infringement of IP rights in the music sector can occur through physical or digital channels (for instance, through the purchase of fake CDs or downloading of illegal content). This sectorial study analyses the effect of piracy on the recorded music industry, independent of the format independently of the infringing good or service. Survey revealed that although citizens recognise the value of IP in principle, they tend to justify their infringements as a consequence of individual circumstances as opposed to the recognition of the principle.

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Draft second act amending the Telemedia Act: material content of the draft – requirements to service providers

The Act clarifies that WLAN operators are access providers as defined in § 8 TMG. This does not result in any changes in the existing legal position for service providers which offer access to a communications network in accordance with the TKG (Telekommunikationsgesetz, Telecommunications Act). The obligations on these service providers resulting from the TKG continue to apply. In addition, the principle which has already been developed in case-law is codified that holders of WLAN connections are not to be held liable as interferors if they have fulfilled reasonable obligations in order to prevent rights violations. The Act (de) serves to specify the requirements placed on service providers which provide access to the internet via WLAN, irrespective of whether this is for commercial purposes. If the provisions of the Act are obeyed, it is assumed that the WLAN operator has taken the precautions which are reasonable for them in order to prevent third parties from violating rights. In such cases he will not be held liable as the interferor for omission or removal and can also not be warned to desist. The stipulations mentioned in the Act can generally be fulfilled by WLAN operators. However, this does not exclude operators, in certain cases, from also being able to carry out their obligations through other reasonable means. The Act also cites various situations in which it can be assumed that the host provider will be aware of an unlawful act.

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