The Copyright and Related Rights Regulations 2003
These Regulations implement Directive 2001/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22nd May 2001 on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society (O.J. No L167, 22.6.2001, p.10) (“the Directive”) which provides for a general and flexible legal framework at Community level in order to foster the development of the information society in the European Community. In particular, the Directive harmonises the basic rights relevant to uses of copyright material in the information society and e-commerce, namely the rights of reproduction (copying) and communication to the public (electronic transmission, including digital broadcasting and “on-demand” services). It also limits the type and scope of permitted exceptions to these rights and provides legal protection for technological measures used to safeguard rights and identify and manage copyright material. These Regulations also adjust the implementation of Council Directive 91/250/EEC on the legal protection of computer programs (O.J. No L122, 17.5.1991, p.42) so far as is necessary in consequence of amendments required by the Directive, and take account of the amendments required by the Directive to Council Directive 92/100/EEC on rental and lending right and on certain rights related to copyright in the field of intellectual property (O.J. No. L346, 27.11.1992, p.61) and Council Directive 93/98/EEC harmonising the term of protection of copyright and certain related rights (O.J. No L290, 24.11.1993, p.9).