Copying fees are to remain in place
Suisseculture, the umbrella organization for Swiss cultural professionals, is pleased that the National Council's Committee on Science, Education, and Culture has decided against abolishing copying royalties.
According to Suisseculture, the copying levies are a system managed professionally and pragmatically by the collecting societies. They are said to capture the value generated by protected content. In a recent press release, Suisseculture therefore expressed its satisfaction that the National Council’s Committee on Science, Education, and Culture (WBK) has recommended rejecting a motion by SVP National Council member Thomas Aeschi. Aeschi wants to abolish the «unfair and outdated model of the copying levy» via a parliamentary initiative.
Suisseculture, on the other hand, advocates for simplifying the data collection process and reviewing the compensation amount. Given the actual volume of use of protected content, the association considers the current amount to be «very modest.».
Suisseculture recommends that the National Council reject Aeschi’s motion and thus follow the recommendation of the WBK. However, it recommends adopting a postulate titled «Modernization of the Copying Levy,» which calls for further clarification. Only then should a decision be made regarding any potential need for legislative action.
