Recognition for Copyright Holders

The Screen Production and Development Association of New Zealand (SPADA) welcomes the Government’s acknowledgement and recognition of copyright holders by passing the Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Bill last week.

The ability for copyright holders to make a living in the screen industry is based on recognition of intellectual property (IP) rights. Therefore, illegal downloads subvert and undermine any revenue model for copyright holders in the screen industry.

“As well as an education process around illegally downloading content, the screen industry is moving towards business models that enable people to access digital content readily and legally for an appropriate price. Hence the ability to access high speed broadband is imperative for this to happen in New Zealand,” said SPADA Chief Executive Penelope Borland.

“This legislation also gives some assurance to international distributors that IP rights in New Zealand are recognised; and therefore should give confidence that the introduction of business models that exist elsewhere for accessing content digitally are now viable in New Zealand.”

ENDS

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