On 20 and 21 November, CEPIC attended an international copyright conference hosted by the EUIPO (the EU Intellectual Property Office) in Alicante, Spain. The event marked the launch of the EUIPO's Copyright Knowledge Centre. The conference explored how copyright can adapt to the challenges of the digital age. Observatory. Go beyond. No time for questions. expand their remit.
EUIPO Copyright Knowledge Centre - EUIPO
Discussions revolved around the adaptation of copyright in the age of AI. Questions directly pertinent to CEPIC's membership were: Is Licensing still the best way to generate value for creators when their content is being used for AI training ? Does a Opt-Out Registry make sense ? Are new exceptions to copyright necessary ? How can the EU build a sovereign AI ? Etc.
We believe that the EUIPO, which is essentially an 'observatory' dealing with copyright and information studies, hosts the 'out-of-commerce register' and the 'orphan works register', and is financed by trademark registration, is seeking to expand its remit to include an AI register for opt-out and licensing expressions.
The EU IPO sums up the event this way:
"Two days of inspiration and creativity filled with mural painting, dance, crafts and music. The EUIPO Conference on Copyright inaugurated a new chapter for copyright in Europe. With more than 3,000 attendees onsite and online, the event brought together high-level speakers from across Europe and beyond, including policymakers, creators, academics, and industry leaders. Together, they explored how copyright can evolve in an era shaped by digital transformation and artificial intelligence. From discussions on empowering creators and building an AI-ready copyright infrastructure to testimonies from artists and live performances celebrating creativity, the conference also marked the launch of the EUIPO Copyright Knowledge Centre, a new hub to learn and innovate around copyright."
The conferences were streamed and will be posted in this article as soon as made available by the EUIPO.