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Territorial copyright for Australian books at risk

Australia’s Productivity Commission has recommended to the federal government that it lift all restrictions on parallel importation of books, according to an article in The Sydney Morning Herald. Quillblog linked to this story back in March, at which point the commission had suggested that restrictions preventing competing editions of books from being imported into the country be limited to 12 months after publication. After those 12 months, parallel importation would be permitted – much to the horror of Australian publishers, booksellers, and authors. From the commission’s summary document:

Australia’s restrictions on the parallel importation of books result in higher local book prices, according to a report released today by the Productivity Commission. While this is a cost to consumers, the benefits to publishers and authors are not well-targeted. The Commission undertook extensive analysis of international book prices and concluded that the current restrictions create material upward pressure on book prices in Australia. The size of this effect will vary over time and across book genres, and can be substantial. By removing the restrictions, local booksellers would have the option of accessing better value books from overseas. Local publishers would have a strong incentive to make their prices more competitive and to look for greater efficiencies in their operations, the report said.

The new document is unclear on whether or not the earlier suggestion of a 12 month grace period is still being considered. It does, however, recommend that if the suggestions regarding parallel importation are followed, then “three years notice should be given to facilitate industry adjustment.”

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