EU proposals for TV, music and sport subscriptions too timid says Law Society

Proposed EU legislation allowing holiday makers travelling in Europe to access online content, such as digital film and TV services, has come under scrutiny from the Law Society of Scotland.

The Society has welcomed the European Commission's proposed legislation, which would allow EU residents travelling within the EU to access digital content services which they have paid for in their home country, and called for the legislation on cross-border portability of digital content services to be extended to cover digital subscriptions purchased by EU residents anywhere in the EU.

Jim McLean, convener of the Law Society’s Intellectual Property committee, said “We’re delighted that the European Commission is looking at ways to improve online content services for consumers and welcome the proposed regulation which will allow EU residents to access digital services such as Netflix, Sky and Amazon Prime, when travelling within the EU on holiday or business.

“However we believe the proposed legislation is too timid and should also cover online content services purchased or obtained by a subscriber within the EU, even if that is outside of their home country. This would align with the Commission’s strategy to allow for wider online access to works by users across the EU and would be more straightforward for both the consumers and the providers.”

The Law Society’s full consultation response to the UK Intellectual Property Office’s call for view on the European Commission’s proposal for legislation on cross-border portability of digital services can be found on the website: /for-the-public/law-reform-consultations-and-bills/consultations-2016/intellectual-property/

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The UK Government’s call for views on draft EU legislation ensuring that consumers can access digital subscriptions when travelling in other EU countries can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/call-for-views-on-cross-border-portability-of-digital-services

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact Sarah Sutton at sarahsutton@lawscot.org.uk / 0131 476 8170