Transitional arrangements for the repeal of section 52 CDPA

The creation of artistic works is an important part of the creative and design sectors. The government wishes to provide the full term of copyright protection for artistic works, whether created as a one-off or industrially manufactured and sold to consumers across the UK. This will be achieved by repealing section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 which reduces the term of copyright protection for artistic works which are produced through an industrial process.

Although transitional provisions had been put in place in March 2015, the government received a challenge on their compatibility with EU law. The government decided to reconsider these issues as announced on 23 July Change to transitional arrangements for the repeal of section 52 of the CDPA. This consultation invites comments on the proposals for the new transitional provisions, covering the time period until repeal, the status of existing stock, the status of copyright works made before 1 June 1957 and the repeal of compulsory licensing provisions.

This consultation is aimed at all interested parties, including creators of works of artistic craftsmanship such as designers; rights holders in those works such as licensees; manufacturers, importers and retailers of two-dimensional or three-dimensional copies of those works; and publishers, museums and educational establishments.