A Copyright Exception for Private Copying in the United Kingdom

摘要

This article discusses the proposed copyright exception for private copying in the United Kingdom in the aftermath of the Hargreaves Review. It explores the options by which the exception shall retain a realistic scope if it is not accompanied by a fair compensation, and addresses the concept of possible harm that may arise owing to private copying. It concludes that an exception for copying of content legally purchased by an individual to another medium or device for private use corresponds to consumers' reasonable expectations without causing more than minimal harm to the right holders' interests and without requiring an accompanying introduction of a fair compensation scheme.