New European Copyright Directive: Fundamental Shift From U.S. Policy

On Mar. 26, 2019, the European Parliament passed a new directive that increases accountability of online platforms for copyrighted material posted on their sites without owner consent. On Apr. 15, 2019, over 71% of the member states voted in favor of the new directive, which is now law. The directive applies to companies based outside of the EU if the platform is in Europe and is fundamentally different from U.S. policy.

As U.S. companies prepare for when the directive goes into effect, they must account for potentially inconsistent implementation as each European member state will shift the directive into national laws. While the directive is aimed at large internet platforms such as YouTube and Google, smaller players are not exempt. Platforms will be required to enter into licensing agreements with creators to use their content or put in place takedown procedures in compliance with the directive.

Listen as our authoritative panel of IP attorneys examines the new EU Copyright Directive. The panel will explain what the directive means procedurally and its enforceability in the U.S. The panel will also discuss the consequences for failing to comply, how it's different from what was previously in place, and how it's a fundamental shift from the policy in the U.S. Also, the panel will discuss what U.S. companies need to do to ensure compliance with the new directive.

1. New EU Copyright Directive
   1. Requirements
   2. Enforceability in the U.S.
   3. The shift from current policy
2. Consequences for noncompliance
3. Compare/contrast with U.S. policy
4. Preparing for the life under the European Copyright Directive

The panel will review these and other key issues:

• How does the new European Copyright Directive differ from current U.S. copyright policy?
• What does the copyright directive require of U.S. companies?
• What steps should U.S. companies take to prepare for complying with the new directive?