March 19, 2018

The EU Portability Regulation, which allows consumers to access their online film, TV and other subscription services while visiting countries in the EU, applies in the UK from 1 April 2018.

The IPO’s consultation on the enforcement of the EU Portability Regulation closed on 31 January 2018. It asked for comments on proposed enforcement mechanisms and bodies, and topics for guidance. It also asked for views on portability in the context of the UK’s exit from the EU.

The Government reports that there were 12 responses to the consultation. These were from individual online content service providers, their representative bodies and trade associations, and organisations representing copyright owners.

The Government has now published its response to the consultation. No significant issues with the IPO’s proposed approach have been identified.

The Government laid the implementing legislation before Parliament on 28 February 2018. The Government says that the UK is now fully compliant with the requirements of the EU Portability Regulation. Further, the IPO will be producing guidance to assist businesses in understanding their obligations. To read the consultation outcome and the Government’s response in full, click here.