NZICT welcomes move on copyright law amendments

For Immediate Release March 25, 2009

NZICT Group welcomes Government move on copyright law amendments

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — March 25, 2009 — The newly established NZICT Group, whose membership is made up of more than 40 of the country’s leading ICT companies, today congratulated the Government on its move to suspend the introduction of the controversial Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act (Act), specifically Section 92A.

Brett O’Riley, NZICT’s chief executive said, “As many NZICT members are producers of digital content, NZICT would welcome a regime allowing better protection of intellectual property rights, however it is our organisation’s collective view that the proposed Section 92A contained major flaws which meant it would have failed in this intent. “

“Arguably, there is value in resolving the limitations of court-based adjudication to address breaches of copyright breaches by using a “sub-judicial” process. But the approach that was put forward in the new law was inoperable in NZICT’s view,” said Mr O’Riley.

In this case Government has consulted with industry and prevented a piece of legislation from potentially doing irreparable damage to the NZICT industry, and its reputation internationally. Mr O’Riley stated that the value of many of the NZICT’s members’ products are created or enhanced by, users having unfettered access to the internet.

“These enhanced values must not be denied by the Page 2 of 2 operation of this Act. The NZICT has an interest in ensuring these amendments to do not deny New Zealand consumers and businesses deriving the maximum benefit from such products.” Mr O’Riley said his Members had been very vocal in their views, and had also polled the views of other stakeholders involved in the debate. “NZICT looks forward to working with the Government and its agencies on progress the review of the legislation to come up with a workable replacement regime, which focuses not only on the core principles, but also on an effective compliance process.”

ENDS

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