This paper takes a closer look at two different approaches to solve problems that digital libraries face when seeking to make their massive content accessible online: the hard law approach in respect of orphan works and the soft law approach in respect of out-of-commerce works. The paper is...

Abstract: Considers the implementation in Belgium of European Parliament and Council Directive 2001/29 (the Copyright Directive). Reviews the background to the adoption of the relevant legislation amending the Belgian Copyright Act 1994 and summarises its provisions relating to the definition of...

In 2004 lanceerde Google een fabuleus boekendigitaliseringsproject dat de ambitie heeft om meer dan 30 miljoen boeken uit het literair werelderfgoed online beschikbaar te maken. Naast veel lofspraak lokte dit ‘Google Books Project' ook heel wat kritische reacties uit. Niet geheel onverwacht...

It is difficult to overestimate the influence of the recent information and communication technologies (ICT) on copyright. A massive and ever-increasing flow of information is available on the Internet, the content of which is predominantly copyright-sensitive. Copyright has to answer a lot of...

One of the factors that may have an impact on the innovation performance of a country is the potential of universities to create value from scientific breakthroughs and technological inventions. This raises the question whether universities are in a legal position to convert research results...

Le présent rapport s’efforce d’offrir une vision claire et complète du système des exceptions instauré par la loi belge du 30 juin 1994 relative au droit d’auteur et aux droits voisins dans ses articles 21-23 et 46-47. Diverses aspects sont analysés sous forme de réponse à des...

Counterfeiting and piracy are an international phenomenon. They not only seriously harm the holder of intellectual property rights, but have also a significant impact on economic and social developments. In 2007, the Belgian legislature passed three new laws that significantly increased the...

For some decades, there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of intellectual property rights in general, and patents in particular, as a tool of economic strategy and competitiveness. More than 90% of the patents granted in industrialized countries originate from employee inventors....