Dutch Copyright Contract Bill Submitted To Parliament

An amended version of the bill regarding copyright contracts (Wetsvoorstel auteurscontractenrecht) was submitted to the Second Chamber of the Dutch parliament on 19 June 2012. The bill's objective is to improve the contractual position of authors and performers (together "authors") in relation to producers or publishers (together "producers") exploiting their work. Pursuant to this bill, the position of authors will be aligned with those of neighbouring countries.

Assignment of copyright

Under the pending bill, the author can grant the producer the right to exploit the work by either assigning the copyright to the producer or by granting permission (a licence). Assignment of rights on future methods of exploitation remains possible. Currently, a deed ("akte") is required for assignment of copyrights, but under the new legislation this will also be required for granting an exclusive licence.