This monograph conducts a comprehensive analysis of the EU right of communication to the public, one of the exclusive rights under EU copyright law, and provides an alternative framework for its interpretation and application. The present state of the law is unsatisfactory; there is uncertainty in the acquis communautaire and courts at the EU and domestic levels have struggled to apply the right. Therefore, the book identifies the problems with the existing right of communication to the public and proposes recommendations for reform. 



In addition to reforming the scope of the right of communication to the public, the jurisdiction and applicable law in relation to the right are analysed and changes are recommended. Thus, the book covers both the scope and practicalities of a coherent and effective reform of the right. In light of the continuing development and accompanying tribulations with this right at the EU level, this book provides a topical and timely analysis that will be of interest to academics and practitioners working on EU copyright law.

Table Of Contents

Introduction 

I. Subject-Matter 

II. Significance and Contribution 

III. Structure 

IV. Scope 

1. Justifying EU Copyright Law: Constructing a Normative Framework for the Right of Communication to the Public 

I. Introduction 

II. Constructing a Normative Framework for the EU Right of Communication to the Public 

III. Proportionality 

IV. Certainty 

V. Conclusion – Developing the EU Right of Communication to the Public 

2. Journey from Rafael Hoteles to Renckhoff : Exploring the EU Right of Communication to the Public 

I. Introduction 

II. Making Sense of the EU Communication to the Public Right

III. Understanding the Legal Reasoning of the CJEU in the Communication to the Public Cases 

IV. Conclusion 

3. The Problems with the Right of Communication to the Public 

I. Introduction 

II. Broad Interpretation 

III. 'Communication' 

IV. The Making Available Aspect 

V. Reception in Public 

VI. 'New Public'

VII. 'Knowledge' and 'for Profit' 

VIII. Conclusion 

4. Structuring the Reformed Right of Communication to the Public Under EU Copyright Law 

I. Introduction 

II. The Reformed Right of Communication to the Public 

III. Reconciling the Reformed Right with the Existing Copyright Framework 

IV. Completing the Harmonisation of the Communication to the Public Right 

V. Conclusion 

5. Locating and Establishing Responsibility for the Act of Communication to the Public 

I. Introduction 

II. Where Does the Act of Communication to the Public Occur? 

III. Conclusion 

6. Enforcing the Reformed Right of Communication to the Public: Choice of Jurisdiction 

I. Introduction 

II. Establishing Jurisdiction in EU Copyright Cases – The Current Approach 

III. Establishing Jurisdiction for the Reformed Communication to the Public Right 

IV. Conclusion 

7. Enforcing the Reformed Right of Communication to the Public: Choice of Applicable Law 

I. Introduction 

II. Establishing Applicable Law in EU Copyright Cases – The Current Approach 

III. Establishing Applicable Law for the Reformed Communication to the Public Right 

IV. Conclusion 

8. Applying the Reformed Right of Communication to the Public: Case Studies 

I. Introduction 

II. Rafael Hoteles – Acts of Cable Retransmission 

III. FAPL v QC Leisure – Acts of Reception in Public 

IV. ITV v TVCatchup – Acts of Internet Retransmission ('Simulcasting') 

V. Svensson – Hyperlinks 

VI. GS Media – Hyperlinks 

VII. Filmspeler – Media Players 

VIII. Ziggo – Torrent Files 

IX. VCAST – Time Shifting 

X. Embedded Hyperlinks 

XI. Direct to Download Hyperlinks 

XII. Circumventing Access Restrictions 

XIII. Conclusion 

Conclusion 

I. The Recommendations 

II. Implications 

III. Final Comments