Copyright restrictions on the parallel importation of books
This study is completed. The final research report was released on 14 July 2009.
The Productivity Commission was asked to report on the current provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 (the 'Copyright Act') that restrict the parallel importation of books, and provide advice on the potential for reform in the area.
The Commission examined, and invited participants to comment on, a range of issues in regard to the parallel importation of books, including:
- the effectiveness of the parallel import provisions in achieving the objectives of the Copyright Act, having regard to the Government's overall policy framework
- whether the benefits to the community from the provisions outweigh any costs, including any restrictions on competition and the impacts on all relevant industry groups
- options for reform to the current provisions, and any transitional arrangements that should accompany any reform.
Supplementary document
In its report, the Commission referred to advice from the Office of International Law relating to Australia's international legal obligations. A copy of that advice is available below.
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Media release: Parallel import restrictions on books to be reviewed
Please note: The draft report is for research purposes only. For final outcomes of this study refer to the research report.
Key documents
Research report
The research report of the commissioned study into Copyright Restrictions on the Parallel Importation of Books released on 14 July 2009.
Supplement to the research report
The Commission has prepared a supplement to its July 2009 report Restrictions on the Parallel Importation of Books to address matters raised in a recent paper commissioned by the Australian Publishers Association.
Submissions
Submissions received for the Copyright Restrictions on the Parallel Importation of Books commissioned study