I was fortunate to be able to attend the Charles Clark memorial lecture on Tuesday afternoon at the London Book Fair, delivered by Elgar author Daniel Gervais, and attended by many dignitaries and stakeholders in the copyright world.

The prestigious Charles Clark Memorial Lecture is an annual event hosted by the Publishers Association (PA), Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA), the Federation of European Publishers (FEP), the Publishers Licensing Society (PLS), and the International Publishers Association (IPA). Focussing on key developments in the world of copyright, the lecture celebrates the achievements of Charles Clark—a British publisher and lawyer who was an authority on the law of copyright.

Daniel Gervais, Professor of Intellectual property law at Vanderbilt University, former friend and colleague of Charles Clark, and author of the book (Re)Structuring Copyright, spoke eloquently on the changing role of intermediation in delivering informational and cultural goods, exceptions as the new rules, and copyright and progress.

Focussing on the changing roles of intermediaries (platforms and tech giants), on the treatment of limitations and exceptions to copyright, and on how copyright can contribute to progress, Gervais delivered a compelling message on how the current system for international protection of copyright is broken and needs to be fixed urgently and decisively.

Gervais indicated that it is time to rethink the rules that exempt intermediaries from liability for activities and systems that undermine copyright protection. He called for a more dynamic copyright system that speaks to quality more than quantity, where Publishers don’t reject calls for access but find creative ways to deliver that access, and for a system that rewards creativity effectively and fosters an environment where copyright can contribute positively to human progress.

Daniel Gervais’ book (Re)Structuring Copyright has just been published as a revised paperback edition. We’re offering a 30% discount when ordered on our website.

To take advantage of the discount offer, go to our website, add the book to your basket, click on ‘your basket’ and enter GERV30 in the discount code box before checkout.

Alternatively email: sales@e-elgar.co.uk quoting the discount code GERV30 with your payment details.