The British Copyright Council (BCC) today announced the appointment of an Independent Code Reviewer.
Walter Merricks CBE, former Chief Financial Ombudsman, was appointed by a selection panel chosen to represent the interests of both rights holders and copyright users.
Mr Merricks will conduct a review of the BCC’s ‘Principles of Collective Management Organisations’ Codes of Conduct’ following the first full year of implementation, to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.
The BCC developed its Principles policy document to establish a framework of good practice for Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) and a set of minimum terms to be used as the basis for CMOs individual Codes of Conduct. Fourteen CMOs have now adopted these guidelines.
The review will also reference the Government’s October 2012 benchmark recommendations ‘Minimum Standards for UK Collecting Societies’.
The first review will commence in November (2013) when Mr Merricks will call for evidence directly from the Ombudsman, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), The BCC, CMOs, copyright users and their representative bodies and others and he will investigate, as appropriate. His findings will be published in a public report.
Minister for Intellectual Property, Lord Younger said: “Independent review is at the heart of the collecting societies’ self-regulatory framework. It will ensure that the system retains the confidence of all the parties involved. I welcome the appointment of Walter Merricks as the Independent Code Reviewer. I look forward to meeting him and reading his report in due course.”
Kevin Fitzgerald CMG, Chair of the BCC’s Working Group on Principles of Good Practice, said: “I am delighted to welcome Walter Merricks as the Independent Code Reviewer. The experience and expertise he brings to the role will ensure he is a valuable contributor to the good governance of CMOs at a time when they face unprecedented technological, political and economic challenges.”
Find ongoing information about the Review at www.independentcodereview.org.uk