Directive (EU) 2019/790 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market

Summary:

Directive (EU) 2019/790 - formally adopted by the co-legislators on 17 April 2019 - updating the copyright rules across the European Union (EU) to take into account the increasing digital and cross-border uses of protected content.

Further information:

This Directive provides for measures aiming at improving the position of rights holders to negotiate and be remunerated for the exploitation of their content by online services giving access to user-uploaded content. It features a new right for press publishers aiming at facilitating online licensing of their publications, the recoupment of their investment and the enforcement of their rights. It also addresses existing legal uncertainty as regards the possibility for all publishers to receive a share in the compensation for uses of works under an exception. Finally, it includes measures that aim to improve transparency and better balanced contractual relationships between authors and performers and those to whom they assign their rights.

The Digital Single Market strategy of May 2015 identified the need 'to reduce the differences between national copyright regimes and allow for wider online access to works by users across the EU'. This was followed by a Communication adopted in December 2015, which outlines targeted actions and a long-term vision to modernise EU copyright rules. The new Directive is one of the measures aimed at addressing issues identified in that Communication. The draft law was proposed as part of a package of initiatives for the modernisation of copyright rules. The proposal sparked criticism and intense debate across society in the Union, including strong positions from the big online platforms against the proposed Directive.

The Council of the European Union reached an agreement on a common position in May 2018, after almost two years of discussion. The European Parliament's relevant committee initially approved a position concerning the proposal in June, but the plenary session rejected the mandate to launch trilogue negotiations a month later. In September, the plenary eventually approved a revised negotiating position. The first round of negotiations between the institutions was held in October and an informal agreement between the institutions on a compromise text was reached on 13 February 2019. The European Parliament's plenary session formally endorsed it on 26 March, followed by the Council on 15 April. The Act was signed on 17 April 2021 and published in the Official Journal on 17 May 2019.

Poland started shortly later a legal challenge before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) against Article 17 of this Directive. The deadline for Member States to transpose this Directive into national law was met on 7 June 2021.

• Primary Source

Commentary and Analysis

IFLA: European copyright reform: resources https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/91774

CREATe: EU Copyright Reform https://www.create.ac.uk/policy-responses/eu-copyright-reform/

Wikipedia: Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directive_on_Copyright_in_the_Digital_Single_Market

Youtube: 'Save Your Internet' Campaign https://www.youtube.com/saveyourinternet/

openDemocracy: Digital Liberties, 20/03/2017: The link tax threatens the internet as we know it https://www.opendemocracy.net/digitaliberties/david-elston/link-tax-eu-copyright-directive-will-break-internet-as-we-know-it

The Conversation, 03/07/2018: Why the incoming EU copyright law will undermine the free internet https://theconversation.com/why-the-incoming-eu-copyright-law-will-undermine-the-free-internet-99247

BBC News, 05/07/2018: Europe's copyright plan: Why was it so controversial? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-44722406

EPRS: At a Glance, September 2018: Copyright in the digital single market http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2018)625165

OCCRP: Press Release, 12/09/2018: Europe should protect independent media in copyright reform https://www.occrp.org/en/62-press-releases/8572-europe-should-protect-independent-media-in-copyright-reform

European University Association, 13/09/2018: EU Copyright Reform: European Parliament vote is a missed opportunity to bolster R&I https://eua.eu/news/150:eu-copyright-reform-european-parliament-vote-is-a-missed-opportunity-to-bolster-r-i.html

The Guardian, 13/09/2018: In punishing tech giants, the EU has made the internet worse for everyone https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/sep/13/tech-giants-eu-internet-searches-copyright-law

The Verge, 13/09/2018: Everything you need to know about Europe’s new copyright directive https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/13/17854158/eu-copyright-directive-article-13-11-internet-censorship-google

Google: Blog, 06/12/2018: Proposed copyright rules: bad for small publishers, European consumers and online services https://www.blog.google/around-the-globe/google-europe/proposed-copyright-rules-bad-small-publishers-european-consumers-and-online-services/

Coporate Europe Observatory, 10/12/2018: Copyright Directive: how competing big business lobbies drowned out critical voices https://corporateeurope.org/power-lobbies/2018/12/copyright-directive-how-competing-big-business-lobbies-drowned-out-critical

EurActiv, 14/01/2019: Updating copyright rules for news: There’s a better way https://www.euractiv.com/section/media4eu/opinion/updating-copyright-rules-for-news-theres-a-better-way/

Euro|topics, February 2019: Copyright: EU ushers in new online era https://www.eurotopics.net/en/214940/

EPRS: Briefing, March 2019: Copyright in the digital single market http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2016)593564

Euro|topics, March 2019: Copyright reform: Internet freedom at risk? https://www.eurotopics.net/en/217021/

Euronews, 25/03/2019: Why is the new EU copyright reform causing controversy? https://www.euronews.com/2019/03/22/what-is-article-13-and-why-is-europe-protesting-about-it-euronews-explains

Politico, 25/03/2019: 10 reasons why MEPs should say YES to the Copyright Directive reform https://www.politico.eu/sponsored-content/yes-to-the-copyright-directive-reform-10-reasons-why/

The Guardian, 25/03/2019: Thank EU for the music – not the grasping tech giants https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/25/eu-music-tech-companies-songs-writers-copyright-directive

The Economist, 26/03/2019: Another day in the life of 'a Europe that protects' https://www.economist.com/charlemagnes-notebook/2019/03/26/another-day-in-the-life-of-a-europe-that-protects

The Guardian, 26/03/2019: What do major copyright changes mean for internet freedom? https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/mar/26/what-do-major-copyright-changes-mean-for-internet-freedom

Kluwer Copyright Blog, 07/06/2019: The New Copyright Directive: A tour d’horizon – Part I http://copyrightblog.kluweriplaw.com/2019/06/07/the-new-copyright-directive-a-tour-dhorizon-part-i/

Institute for Public Relations, 09/07/2019: EU copyright changes and its effects on social media https://instituteforpr.org/e-u-copyright-changes-and-its-effect-on-social-media/

EDRi: Resources, 11/09/2019: Poland challenges copyright upload filters before the CJEU https://edri.org/our-work/poland-challenges-copyright-upload-filters-before-the-cjeu/

EurActiv: Capitals Special Edition, 02/10/2019: The Copyright Directive https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/capitals-special-edition-the-copyright-directive/

Europeana: Explainer: What will the new EU copyright rules change for Europe's Cultural Heritage Institutions (20 November 2019) https://pro.europeana.eu/post/explainer-what-will-the-new-eu-copyright-rules-change-for-europe-s-cultural-heritage-institutions

KU Leuven: CiTIP Blog, 03/03/2020: Conference on the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market – Insights from the ‘exceptions’ panel: Copyright (un)harmonization? https://www.law.kuleuven.be/citip/blog/conference-on-the-directive-on-copyright-in-the-digital-single-market-insights-from-the-exceptions-panel-copyright-unharmonization/

Elgar Blog, 07/09/2020: From Information Society to Digital Single Market, the copyright drama continues https://elgar.blog/2020/09/07/from-information-society-to-digital-single-market-the-copyright-drama-continues/

Maastricht University: Blog, 20/01/2021: More than words: The legal translations of Article 17 DCDSM https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/blog/2021/01/more-words-legal-translations-article-17-dcdsm

European Law Blog, 03/02/2021: Regulating freedom of expression on online platforms? Poland’s action to annul Article 17 of the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive https://europeanlawblog.eu/2021/02/03/regulating-freedom-of-expression-on-online-platforms-polands-action-to-annul-article-17-of-the-directive-on-copyright-in-the-digital-single-market-directive/

---

News

The Guardian, 20/06/2018: EU votes for copyright law that would make internet a 'tool for control' https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jun/20/eu-votes-for-copyright-law-that-would-make-internet-a-tool-for-control

The Guardian, 05/07/2018: YouTube and Facebook escape billions in copyright payouts after EU vote https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jul/05/youtube-could-escape-billions-in-copyright-payouts-after-eu-vote

ERR News, 12/09/2018: European Parliament approves copyright law proposed by Estonia's Ansip https://news.err.ee/860853/european-parliament-approves-copyright-law-proposed-by-estonia-s-ansip

Politico, 12/09/2018: European Parliament backs copyright reform, dealing blow to tech giants https://www.politico.eu/article/european-parliament-axel-voss-backs-copyright-reform-against-tech-giants-google-facebook/

Politico, 12/09/2018: Europe’s copyright reforms are all about the money https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-copyright-european-parliament-voss-google-facebook/

Reuters, 12/09/2018: EU lawmakers back publishers over tech giants on copyright https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKCN1LS1QU

The Economist, 13/09/2018: A controversial new copyright law moves a step closer to approval https://www.economist.com/business/2018/09/13/a-controversial-new-copyright-law-moves-a-step-closer-to-approval

Politico, 12/12/2018: Google’s last stand on copyright https://www.politico.eu/article/google-last-stand-copyright-rules-silicon-valley-eu-fight/

EurActiv, 21/01/2019: Copyright directive faces further setback as final trilogue postponed https://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/news/copyright-directive-faces-further-setback-as-final-trilogue-cancelled/

Deutsche Welle, 09/02/2019: EU states agree on copyright reform compromise https://p.dw.com/p/3D3Dv

Politico, 13/02/2019: Europe revamps copyright rules to help creative industries face tech giants https://www.politico.eu/article/copyright-google-facebook-europe-revamps-rules-to-help-creative-industries-face-tech-giants/

Reuters, 13/02/2019: EU clinches copyright overhaul deal, tech giants in focus https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN1Q22P4

Deutsche Welle, 14/02/2019: EU targets tech giants with new copyright deal for digital age https://p.dw.com/p/3DLrT

EurActiv, 14/02/2019: Deal struck on copyright reform after ‘intense’ negotiations https://www.euractiv.com/section/copyright/news/deal-struck-on-copyright-reform-after-intense-negotiations/

Euronews, 26/02/2019: European Parliament Justice Committee approves EU copyright compromise https://www.euronews.com/2019/02/26/european-parliament-justice-committee-approves-eu-copyright-compromise

Deutsche Welle, 02/03/2019: Thousands in Berlin protest EU's online copyright plans https://p.dw.com/p/3EMq7

EurActiv, 19/03/2019: Copyright MEP in bomb threat scare https://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/news/copyright-mep-in-bomb-threat-scare/

The Local (Switzerland), 21/03/2019: Why German Wikipedia is down for 24 hours https://www.thelocal.ch/20190321/why-german-wikipedia-is-down-for-24-hours

Swissinfo, 24/03/2019: Swiss join protests against EU copyright reform https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/internet_swiss-join-protests-against-eu-copyright-reform/44845284

Politico, 25/03/2019: Germans’ last-ditch drive to derail EU copyright deal https://www.politico.eu/article/germanys-last-ditch-drive-to-derail-eu-copyright-deal/

Reuters, 25/03/2019: EU copyright reforms pit creative industry against internet activists, consumers https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKCN1R61ZM

BBC News, 26/03/2019: Article 13: Memes exempt as EU backs controversial copyright law https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-47708144

Deutsche Welle, 26/03/2019: European Parliament to vote on controversial copyright reform https://p.dw.com/p/3FeYS

EurActiv, 26/03/2019: MEPs back historic plans to overhaul copyright law https://www.euractiv.com/section/copyright/news/meps-back-historic-plans-to-overhaul-copyright-law/

Euronews, 26/03/2019: Reaction as MEPs back controversial online copyright reforms https://www.euronews.com/2019/03/26/meps-back-online-copyright-reforms-that-critics-fear-will-curtail-freedom-of-information

Politico, 26/03/2019: European Parliament approves overhaul of online copyright rules https://www.politico.eu/article/european-parliament-approves-copyright-reform-in-final-vote/

Reuters, 26/03/2019: EU lawmakers back copyright reforms targeting Google, Facebook https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKCN1R71C9

The Guardian, 26/03/2019: MEPs approve sweeping changes to copyright law https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/mar/26/meps-approve-sweeping-changes-to-copyright-law-european-copyright-directive

BBC News, 15/04/2019: Article 13: UK helps push through new EU copyright rules https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-47933530

EurActiv, 15/04/2019: Censorship fears linger as copyright directive overcomes final hurdle https://www.euractiv.com/section/copyright/news/censorship-fears-linger-as-copyright-directive-overcomes-final-hurdle/

Euronews, 15/04/2019: EU governments approve copyright reform targeting tech giants https://www.euronews.com/2019/04/15/eu-governments-approve-copyright-reform-targeting-tech-giants

Politico, 15/04/2019: European ministers give final green light to copyright reform https://www.politico.eu/article/european-ministers-give-final-green-light-to-copyright-reform/

Reuters, 15/04/2019: EU approves tougher EU copyright rules in blow to Google, Facebook https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKCN1RR0NY

---

Official

EUR-LEX: COM(2016)593: Proposal for a Directive on copyright in the Digital Single Market https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=COM:2016:593:FIN

EUR-LEX: SWD(2016)301: Staff Working Document accompanying the Proposal - Impact assessment https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=SWD:2016:301:FIN

EUR-LEX: SWD(2016)302: Staff Working Document accompanying the Proposal - Executive Summary of the Impact assessment https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=SWD:2016:302:FIN

European Parliament: Legislative Observatory: Procedure File on Proposal for a Directive on copyright in the Digital Single Market (2016/0280(COD)) https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2016/0280(COD)

European Parliament: Legislative Train Schedule: Modernisation of European copyright rules: Directive on copyright in the digital single market http://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-connected-digital-single-market/file-jd-directive-on-copyright-in-the-digital-single-market

European Commission: Statement, 12/09/2018: Joint statement by Vice-President Ansip and Commissioner Gabriel on the European Parliament's vote to start negotiations on modern copyright rules http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-18-5761_en.htm

European Parliament: Press Release, 12/09/2018: Parliament adopts its position on digital copyright rules http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20180906IPR12103/

European Parliament: Press Release, 11/01/2019: Q and A on the draft digital copyright directive http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20190111IPR23225/

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 13/02/2019: EU copyright rules adjusted to the digital age https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/02/13/eu-copyright-rules-adjusted-to-the-digital-age/

European Commission: Press Release, 13/02/2019: Digital Single Market: EU negotiators reach a breakthrough to modernise copyright rules http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-19-528_en.htm

European Commission: Fact Sheet, 13/02/2019: EU negotiators reach a breakthrough to modernise copyright rules [Q&A] http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-19-1151_en.htm

European Parliament: Press Release, 13/02/2019: Agreement reached on digital copyright rules http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20190212IPR26152/

European Parliament: Press Release, 26/02/2019: Copyright: MEPs back provisional agreement http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20190226IPR28811/

European Commission: Statement, 26/03/2019: Copyright reform: the Commission welcomes European Parliament's vote in favour of modernised rules fit for digital age http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-19-1839_en.htm

European Commission: Fact Sheet, 26/03/2019: European Parliament's vote in favour of modernised rules fit for digital age [Q&A] http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-19-1849_en.htm

European Parliament: Press Release, 26/03/2019: European Parliament approves new copyright rules for the internet http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20190321IPR32110/

European Parliament: Press Release, 27/03/2019: Questions and Answers on issues about the digital copyright directive http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20190111IPR23225/

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 15/04/2019: EU adjusts copyright rules to the digital age https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/04/15/eu-adjusts-copyright-rules-to-the-digital-age/

European Commission: Press Release, 15/04/2019: Copyright reform clears final hurdle: Commission welcomes approval of modernised rules fit for digital age http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-19-2151_en.htm

UK Parliament: Written Questions, Answers and Statements, 16/01/2020: Copyright: EU Action https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2020-01-16/4371

European Commission: Press Release, 04/06/2021: New EU copyright rules that will benefit creators, businesses and consumers start to apply https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1807

European Commission: Questions and Answers – New EU copyright rules (4 June 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_21_2821

---