While copyright law in New Zealand has been in the spotlight recently as a result of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, for many years agreements administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have in fact had greatest influence.

WIPO commissioned Professor Kenneth D. Crews, a renowned attorney, author, professor and international copyright consultant, to undertake worldwide studies of copyright exceptions for libraries and archives.

Professor Crews, whose research, policymaking, and teaching over the past 20 years have centred on copyright issues of importance to education and research, presented some of his findings in a seminar at Victoria Business School during March.

Hosted by the Asian Pacific Copyright Association (APCA) and the New Zealand Centre for International Economic Law (NZCIEL), Professor Crews reflected on the law of New Zealand and other countries in the region during his presentation "Copyright, Libraries, New Zealand and the World".

The event was well attended by representatives from both the public and private sectors, libraries, and academia.

APCA general secretary Associate Professor Susan Corbett, who introduced Professor Crews, mentioned the crucial importance of educational and library provisions in copyright law for economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region as discussed at APCA's recent inaugural conference.

She also noted that it was a privilege for APCA members and other attendees to hear from a scholar of such international repute.

A recording of the presentation by Professor Kenneth D. Crews is available below.

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