Associations call for Passos Coelho to consider discussion of the law … – Jornal de Negócios – Portugal

Associations call for Passos Coelho to consider discussion of the private copying law

The AGEFE, APED and APRITEL sent a letter to the Prime Minister appeal to the discussion of the private copying law. The associations believe that the review of the legislation scheduled for May 8 is “hasty” and does not give voice to the views expressed by various organizations and the President of the Republic.

The AGEFE the APED and APRITEL expressed their concern and indignation at the scheduling of the review of the private copying law to 8th May in a letter to the prime minister. The document was sent on Tuesday, taking the case of Pedro Passos Coelho given the “read receipt” this Tuesday, May 5.

The associations representing companies from sectors Electric Appliance Photographic and Electronic (AGEFE), distribution (APED) and telecommunications operators (APRITEL) start by remembering that on March 31 the President returned to Parliament without enactment, the new decree law providing for the extension of rates to remunerate copyright to digital devices such as mobile phones or tablets.

“The reasons given by the Presidency for this veto, were related to the absence of a proper balance between all the interests involved, in particular the right of authors to be properly paid and compensated for their works and, on the other hand, the right of consumers to access on fair market, to the digital economy goods and services, “reads the document.

These reasons had been pointed out by various associations such as the AGEFE, APED, APRITEL or by Deco. Therefore, “the face of this unusually broad consensus on the part of organized civil society, it was with real surprise and indignation that, via the media, the signatory associations of the letter took note of the appointment of the private copying diploma of the review to the next May 8, “explain

The AGEFE, APED and APRITEL understand that.” the presidential veto is an opportunity to address the interests of all actors concerned – authors, businesses and consumers – of so as to achieve a consensus and appropriate solution to technological developments “.

The associations still remember the Pedro Passos Coelho to approve the law on 8 May is” precipitate and exacerbate the vulnerability of which the Portuguese market suffers currently face to Community competitors who have tax regimes and less costly local costs “.

Arguments that are based on the schedule for May 6th dissemination strategy of Digital Single Market by the European Commission.

So, given that, as was reported, the review without more, at Parliament # 320 / XII decree of the Assembly, the result of the Government’s most precise indications that supports “, the associations ask Passos Coelho “that takes into account the appeal of the signatory associations and provides a discussion of the remuneration for private copying,” they conclude.

At a press conference on Tuesday, the three associations responsible explained that consider the legislative process of the private copy of the law was made “in the back of economic agents”.

Ana Isabel Tripo Morais, Director General of the Portuguese Association of Distribution Companies (aped), points out that the change discussion the law began in the summer last year and the economic agents, as the three associations were not contacted by the government during the process. “We were taken because they did not want us to be found”, said the official, adding that, “as they say, is to legislate slippers”.

In addition, if the law is approved, the associations will consider whether contesting the decision, admitting that there is unconstitutional and that the new rates are “cloaked taxes.”