Legal News & Analysis – Asia Pacific – Australia – TMT

 
The new Attorney-General George Brandis has reached out to copyright holders and internet service providers, inviting discussion on the issue of online file sharing and internet piracy. It is anticipated that a new scheme will be introduced to curb illegal file sharing, by enabling copyright holders, such as movie studios, to take action against website owners who distribute pirated films via file sharing. The Communications Alliance, a group representing telecommunications companies, and ISPs such as Optus, have indicated a willingness to cooperate with the government to find a viable solution to internet piracy.

The Attorney-General has previously announced the protection and enforcement of copyright as a Coalition priority. The Australian Law Commission is also preparing a final report on copyright which is to be provided to the government at the end of November.

For further information, please contact:

Gordon Hughes, Partner, Ashurst
gordon.hughes@ashurst.com

Ashurst TMT Practice Profile in Australia