European Parliament
Franz Obermayr  (NI ),
in writing
. –
(DE)
A sound, harmonised and gradual approach when it comes to intellectual property rights is of fundamental importance. The constant increase in the number of infringements against intellectual property rights represents a threat that needs to be taken seriously. However, intellectual property rights should enable creators to obtain a fair return on their investments while also allowing the public, the consumers, to access information and knowledge. The EU needs a balanced system if it wants to be a knowledge-based economy. All these monitoring measures must not end up leading to an excess of protection and disproportionate enforcement measures. I see a risk here that the balance could be tipped to the disadvantage of consumers and EU citizens and I therefore voted against this report.

