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Document 32017L1564
Directive implementing the Marrakesh Treaty in the EU
Directive implementing the Marrakesh Treaty in the EU
SUMMARY OF:
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE?
It aims to set out rules on the use of certain works or other subject matter* in accessible format copies* without the authorisation of the copyright holder, for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled in accordance with the Marrakesh Treaty.
KEY POINTS
The Marrakesh Treaty
The Marrakesh Treaty requires countries who sign up to it to adopt national laws encouraging books to be produced in accessible formats, such as braille, e-text, audio or large print, aimed at people who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled. The laws should also make it easier to share these items across national boundaries without needing authorisation by the copyright holder. The treaty was signed in 2013 and was ratified by the EU on 1 October 2018. The EU became a party to the treaty on 1 January 2019.
This directive allows for:
An authorised entity must:
Regulation (EU) 2017/1563, the Regulation implementing the Marrakech Treaty in the EU, adopted at the same time as this directive, sets out the rules for how such works or other subject matter are shared between the EU and non-EU countries that are party to the treaty without needing copyright holder permission.
FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?
It has applied since 10 October 2017 and had to become law in the EU countries by 11 October 2018.
BACKGROUND
For more information, see:
KEY TERMS
MAIN DOCUMENT
Directive (EU) 2017/1564 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2017 on certain permitted uses of certain works and other subject matter protected by copyright and related rights for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled and amending Directive 2001/29/EC on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society (OJ L 242, 20.9.2017, pp. 6-13)
RELATED DOCUMENTS
Council Decision (EU) 2018/254 of 15 February 2018 on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled (OJ L 48, 21.2.2018, pp. 1-2)
Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled (OJ L 48, 21.2.2018, pp. 3-11)
Regulation (EU) 2017/1563 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2017 on the cross-border exchange between the Union and third countries of accessible format copies of certain works and other subject matter protected by copyright and related rights for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled (OJ L 242, 20.9.2017, pp. 1-5)
Council Decision 2014/221/EU of 14 April 2014 on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled (OJ L 115, 17.4.2014, pp. 1-2)
last update 21.03.2019