Copyright and Related Rights Act, 2000

Further reference of scheme to Controller.

344.—(1) Where the Controller has, in respect of a licensing scheme under section 342 or 343 or under this section, made an order in respect of a scheme, and the order remains in force, the persons to whom this section applies may refer the scheme to the Controller in so far as it relates to cases of that description.

(2) This section applies to—

(a) the operator of the scheme,

(b) a person claiming that he or she requires a licence in a case of the description to which the order applies, and

(c) an organisation claiming to be representative of such persons.

(3) Where an order made under section 342 or 343 or this section is in force the licensing scheme in respect of which the order is made shall not, except with the special leave of the Controller, be referred to the Controller in respect of the same description of cases—

(a) within 12 months from the date of the order in respect of the previous reference, or

(b) where the order was made so as to be in force for 15 months or less, until the last 3 months before the expiration of the order.

(4) A scheme which has been referred to the Controller under subsection (1) shall remain in operation until proceedings in relation to the reference are concluded.

(5) The Controller shall consider the matter referred to him or her and shall make an order confirming, varying or further varying the scheme, as the Controller may determine to be reasonable in the circumstances.

(6) An order under subsection (5) may be made for such period as the Controller may determine.