B P Collins Solicitors: talk to the experts
Gerrards Cross: +44(0) 1753 889995
Beaconsfield: +44(0) 1494 675363
Related stories
Domain name disputes need "new norm"
31 October 2008
ICO 'calls for effective data protection'
30 October 2008
EPO asking advice on patentability
30 October 2008
T-Mobile broadband ad 'must be withdrawn'
16 October 2008
UK IPO reviews copyright infringement penalty cap
14 August 2008
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) is launching a consultation into the maximum fines magistrates' courts can award for online copyright infringements.
At present, the maximum fine is capped at £5,000 but the UK IPO is seeking views on potentially increasing this to £50,000.
The body said the consultation takes recommendation of "matching penalties for online and physical copyright infringement" made by the Gowers Review.
Earlier this year, the Department for Culture, Media and Sports, in partnership with both the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills issued a report which outlined their commitment to reviewing the current limit.
The consultation is inviting feedback until October 31st 2008.
Ian Fletcher, chief executive of the UK IPO, said the office aims to "ensure that the value of creativity and innovation is maximised for the benefit of the UK".
The official made his comments following the Trading Standards Consumer Affairs Conference in June, which highlighted a number of successful operations carried out by the UK IPO and its partners.
