Recording industry supports EC initiative on protecting IP rights & combating piracy

Brussels, 14th September 2009 - Reacting to the publication of the European Commission's measures to protect intellectual property rights and combat counterfeiting and piracy, IFPI Chairman and CEO John Kennedy said:

"The Commission is today proposing practical and sensible steps aimed at making a concrete difference to the enforcement environment for intellectual property rights in Europe. The effort to bolster IP enforcement in a coordinated and structured manner is good news for Europe's music sector, which is a major driver of the creative economy in Europe and worldwide.

It is also important that the Commission is recognising the extent of the piracy problem in Europe, and that action is needed now. Past experience has shown that such a non-legislative approach, while an excellent platform, does have its limits in delivering real change. We will therefore do everything to support these new measures, while at the same time working with the Commission on the next step, which in our view would consist of strengthening the legislative framework."

For further information contact:
IFPI Regional Office for Europe - Daniel Friedlaender
Tel: +32 (0)2 511 9208
Email: Daniel.friedlaender@ifpi.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Internal Market and Services commissioner Charlie McCreevy has announced a package of practical steps to improve the coordination of Europe's fight against intellectual property theft. They include a new Observatory to share data and best practice, the establishment of roundtables between stakeholders to look for voluntary solutions and the designation of new National Coordinators in Member States.