Comprehensive and up-to-date, this collection of contributions on EU copyright law signals the emergence of a truly European body of legal commentary on copyright law. The authors, many of them very distinguished, hail from 9 different Member States. As a result, the book contains a wealth of references not only to EU authorities but also to national laws and decisions. Moreover, in addition to covering general principles of European copyright, and analyzing each copyright Directive, the book examines future prospects for copyright in the EU.' - Jane Ginsburg, Columbia Law School, USThis authoritative reference work presents comprehensive article-by-article commentary on each of the EU Directives in the field of copyright, as well as analysis of the underlying basic concepts and principles such as free movement and non-discrimination. Published as part of the Elgar Commentaries series, this unique book describes and analyses each EU directive in turn, taking into account all recent legislative amendments and pending initiatives in the context of the EU Digital Agenda, as well as the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. With a clear structure allowing readers to navigate quickly to a specific point, the book not only sets out the law, but boldly discusses challenges for the future that will underpin copyright in the years to come. It also presents ongoing discussions in WIPO and assesses the role of copyright in society and economy both from an EU and an international perspective. EU Copyright Law is a seminal commentary work from a team of leading experts in the field combining aspects of theory and practice and placing copyright in perspective. It will be an indispensable reference tool for academics, researchers, practitioners and policymakers in copyright law and comparative law. Contributors: G. Davies, E. Derclaye, B. Farrand, A. Firth, M.M. Frabboni, J. Gaster, C. Geiger, J. Griffiths, L. Guibault, M.-C. Janssens, N. Klass, A. Lucas-Schloetter, G. Minero, S. Nerisson, J. Rosen, H. Rupp, C. Sappa, F. Schoenherr, I. Stamatoudi, A. Strowel, U. Suthersanen, P. Torremans, B. Ubertazzi, O. Vrins

Multimedia products have experienced tremendous market success. Yet too often they are given inadequate protection under existing national and international copyright schemes. Irini Stamatoudi provides a comprehensive, comparative treatment of multimedia works and copyright protection in this clear and concise volume. A detailed introduction outlines the nature of the multimedia work, as well as the scope of existing legislation; separate chapters consider collections and compilations, databases, audiovisual works and computer programs (video games are here treated as a 'test case'). Stamatoudi then analyses issues of qualification, regime of protection, and offers a model for a European legislative solution. Copyright and Multimedia Products will interest academics and students, as well as practitioners and copyright policy makers.

Multimedia products have become highly successful. Yet they are often inadequately protected by existing national and international copyright schemes. This study is one of the first comprehensive, comparative analyses of multimedia works and copyright protection. Stamatoudi considers the nature of the multimedia work, and existing legislation, as well as collections and compilations, databases, audiovisual works and computer programs. Finally, she offers a model for a European legislative solution. Her work will interest academics and students, as well as lawyers and copyright policy makers.