Activities

Illegal copying - a threat to the free flow of information

To society it is important to have simple and reasonable access to scientific and literary works. But if one does not diligently attempt to deal with illegal copying in a country, the basis for publishing may be threatened. This can most seriously affect the creative aspect of intellectual and cultural life, especially in small and developing countries. Intellectual creativity is of vital importance for development and progress in a nation, and copyright provides the financial basis for the creative process. Respect for copyright encourages creativity!

It is essential that one does not confuse the principle of "free flow of information", which authors and publishers fully support, with the idea of "flow of free information". Books, journals and newspapers cost money and generate income to creators. Creators must also gain just rewards when their works are copied.

Kopinor - a complete portfolio of rights

Kopinor was established on 30 of April 1980. Membership is in principle open to any association representing copyright holders of published works. Today Kopinor has 21 member organisations - 5 publishers' associations and 16 authors' associations. This broad representation is the backbone of Kopinor, and allows Kopinor to offer licenses in regard of photocopying of published works (reprographic reproduction) to users based on a portfolio of rights to all relevant types of works. By law or through bilateral agreements with Reproduction Rights Organisations in other countries, Kopinor also represents foreign rightsholders. Today, Kopinor collects for approximately 80 % of the copyright protected material photocopied in Norway.

Kopinor is empowered by its member organisations to negotiate and conclude collective agreements on photocopying and similar uses of copyright protected works in all areas of society. A new and important goal is to negotiate agreements on digital reproduction of Norwegian works in libraries, in educational institutions and in public and private enterprises.