In January 2008 the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) launched the first stage of a two-part consultation about the Gowers recommendations on copyright exceptions, which were intended to improve access to and use of copyright works.  The IPO asked how the recommendations might operate and suggested a number of options.  On 11th December the Intellectuall Property Office announced the release of the second part of the public consultation on Gowers.

In this second stage, the IPO discusses the responses and their findings, and present detailed proposals which are designed to achieve a fair balance between rights holder's interests and users needs.  Views are sought on the draft legislation and the accuracy of the impact assessments. 

The consultation is available on the IPO website (see http://www.ipo.gov.uk/pro-policy/consult/consult-live/consult-gowers2.htm).

Please send any comments to the following address by 31 March 2010:

  Gowers Copyright Consultation
  Copyright & IP Enforcement Directorate
  Intellectual Property Office
  Concept House
  Cardiff Road
  Newport
  South Wales
  NP10 8QQ

  E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  Fax: +44 (0) 1633 814 922
  Tel: +44 (0) 1633 814 815