In January 2008 the Intellectual Property Office launched the first stage of a two-part consultation about the Gowers recommendations on copyright exceptions, which were intended to improve access to and use of copyright works. It sought feedback on how the recommendations might operate and suggested a number of options.

This second stage discusses the responses and the  IPO’s findings. It presents detailed proposals which are designed to achieve a fair balance between rights holders’ interests and users’ needs. Views are being sought on the draft legislation and the accuracy of the impact assessments. The closing date for comments is 31 March 2010. A link to a PDF version of the consultation and details of how to respond are available on the IPO website.