The Sharp Project hosts debate on the future of intellectual property

The Sharp Project, home to 50 digital and creative companies, launches its Essential Debate series on Thursday 20 October with a debate on the future of intellectual property which is jointly hosted by leading law firm Ward Hadaway.

Experts from the media, music business, film industry and legal sector will take part in Whose Work is it Anyway? a no-holds barred discussion on the issue of intellectual property and the major changes that are on the way.

The Government is looking to overhaul the current system in an effort to unlock an estimated £7.9bn of additional GDP and promote greater innovation and growth in the UK economy.

The proposed changes include the establishment of a digital marketplace where copyright content can be licensed; greater access to so called ‘orphan works’ whose copyright owners cannot be traced; and allowing more lawful copying, such as from a laptop to an MP3 player.

The proposals follow recommendations from an independent report commissioned by the Government and led by Professor Ian Hargreaves, Professor of Journalism at the Centre for Journalism Studies (JOMEC) at Cardiff University and Chair of Digital Economy.

The panel for Whose Work is it Anyway? is chaired by Ward Hadaway partner Laura Harper, law expert and head of the specialist Creative Industries team based at The Sharp Project.

On the panel will be Ben Stoney, Head of Digital at The Mob Film Company; Maria McGeoghan, editor of the Manchester Evening News; Greg Robinson of Connect2Media; Christian Hill, Director of Project:Simply; Music Producer and co-founder of OGenesis Records, Jim Spencer and Music Producer Dave Tolan.

Laura Harper, Partner at law firm Ward Hadaway said: “Intellectual property is at the heart of the creative sector’s success so this issue is something no creative enterprise can afford to ignore. These recommendations will fundamentally change the core aims of intellectual property law and have a significant effect on day-to-day business. We’ve managed to put together a fantastic line-up for this debate, featuring some key players in the sector to discuss whether the proposed way forward is for the better. It promises to be a lively discussion and an event not to be missed.”

Rose Marley, from The Sharp Project said: “We are privileged to have experts Ward Hadaway as tenants and value their insight into with such a topical issue that could affect so many creative businesses. This is just one of a range of events we plan to host, that offer creative companies the opportunity to be informed, ahead of the game and therefore able to deliver best practice in their field.”

Please click here for further information.

Places are limited and registration is essential.  For enquiries and registration email events@thesharpproject.co.uk or call 0161 205 1717.

For more information on The Sharp Project visit www.thesharpproject.co.uk.  For more information on Ward Hadaway’s Creative Industries team visit www.wardhadaway.com.