CopyrigThe Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988, which provides the basis for English copyright law, acknowledges that there are circumstances in which it is appropriate for the courts not to enforce this commercial right. Examples include where the use of copyright material is "fair" and for the purpose of research, private study, criticism or review, the reporting of current events and use by libraries and for public administration.
But the coming into force of the Human Rights Act in October 2000 has caused lawyers to wonder whether these exceptions are sufficient. The English courts are now required to apply the principles enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights in making their decisions. Article 10 declares that "everyone has the right to freedom of expression" including "to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority".