The course addresses legal
problems of distribution of audiovisual content in the EU single market. The
law of the single market is based on the fundamental freedoms, including the
freedom to provide services. On of the objectives of the harmonization of
national laws is to facilitate free provision of services, including
audiovisual media services and information society services. During the course
we discuss the instruments, such as the country of origin principle, that aim
to ensure smooth cross-border provisions of programs. The approach developed in
the EU originates from the world of
television, particularly delivered by satellite and cable. With the advent of
internet, information society services and digital channels of distribution, EU
law expanded to other sectors: VOD and
online platforms. Digital technologies also facilitate audiovisual piracy. The second problem
addressed during the course are the attempts to limit and prevent the
dissemination of content infringing copyright and related rights. In this area
the course explains the applicability of
copyright and related rights law to acts of content distribution, with
the focus on audiovisual content.
Course objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- understand and explain freedom to
provide services in the audiovisual sector;
- indicate the relevant EU legal framework for different audiovisual and
video sharing services;
- interpret provisions of Digital Services Act addressing content moderation;
- explain major challenges for the distribution of audiovisual content on
the Digital Single Market;
- solve simple case studies in the area of copyright, related rights and
audiovisual content.
Teaching methods
Lecture with presentation; discussion; simple case studies based on the
CJEU case law
Assessment methods
Open book case study; multiple choice and open
question tests.