IFPI statement on the adoption of French "Creation and Internet Law"

13th May 2009

IFPI today welcomed the adoption of the "Creation and Internet Law" by the French Senate.

IFPI Chairman and CEO, John Kennedy, said:

"Creative industries everywhere, including music, film, TV and books, are facing a fundamental challenge from the way online piracy is eroding the ability of creators to get rewarded for their work. In France the government has understood better than any other country the crisis which is looming if firm action is not taken to address the problem. The new French law takes the right approach and sets an example to the rest of the world. It will introduce sensible, proportionate measures that will have a real impact on piracy while respecting ordinary, legitimate internet users."

Ends

Links to:

Statements welcoming the "Creation and Internet Law" by SACEM, representing French authors and composers, and SNEP representing French music producers (FRENCH LANGUAGE)

IFPI Media Backgrounder: Governments address ISP cooperation internationally

NOTES TO EDITORS

In August 2008, President Sarkozy mandated Denis Olivennes, then head of FNAC, and a committee of experts, to find solutions to fight online piracy and improve the development of legal offer of cultural content.
In November 2007, the music and film right holders, the ISPs and the French government signed the “Olivennes agreement” (also called “Elysee Agreement”), in which they agreed to set up a system of warnings followed by the suspension of the Internet connection of subscribers who repeatedly infringed copyright.
This deal was converted into legislation in the “Creation and Internet Law”, which has been finally approved by the French Parliament today, with a large majority.

For further information contact:
IFPI London - Adrian Strain or Alex Jacob
Tel: +44 (0)20 7878 7935
Email: press-office@ifpi.org