< Back to previous page

Copyright Tribunal rules being revised

Published on 16 Mar 2010 under category: legal

It will soon become more straightforward for small businesses to resolve disputes relating to copyright licensing schemes.

This is because the Copyright Tribunal is being subjected to simplified and modernised rules at the start of the next financial year on April 6th.

New procedures are being introduced in line with 1998's Civil Procedure Rules and aim to "promote the effective resolution of disputes in a fast-changing business environment".

Small businesses will also be afforded better access to tribunals thanks to the introduction of a small application track, while the provision of active and robust case management will limit costs in large scale litigation cases.

David Lammy, the minister for intellectual property and higher education, said the revised rules will allow the Copyright Tribunal to deal with cases more justly, fairly and quickly.

"This will be done by ensuring the parties are on equal footing; saving expense; dealing with cases on a proportionate level according to the complexity, amount of money, and financial position of each party; and by dealing with cases quickly, fairly and with the best use of time and resource," he explained.

Earlier this month, the Intellectual Property Office announced that the UK and Japan have come together to formalise the Patent Prosecution Highway.

If you require advice on Franchise Disputes please call us on +44 (0)20 7831 0101 and ask for Andrew Pena.