WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1446/97 by Nikitas KAKLAMANIS to the Commission. Copyright in the EU
C 21/56 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 22. 1. 98 Whereas the concept of bad faith may play a role in the appreciation of the validity of a given trade mark, it is not an element which is included in the conditions for enforcing rights relating to a valid trade mark. Thus, according to trade mark standards, the possibility to enforce a right relating to a given trade mark is in principle not limited where such rights are enforced in bad faith. The Commission recognizes that recently and increasingly, problems have arisen from the use of trade marks within the framework of the Internet. However, these cases concern a different problem, namely the abuse by third parties of existing and protected trade marks as domain names on the Internet. The Commission is currently examining the problem within the framework of the Community as well as at the international level. (1) OJ L 40, 11. 2. 1989. (98/C 21/141) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1439/97 by Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission (23 April 1997) Subject: Destruction of ancient Greek monuments in Youthrotos Youthrotos, a unique archaeological site (situated outside Sarande) in Albania and was entered by Unesco in 1992 on the World Cultural Heritage List, is now unprotected and at the mercy of vandals. Can the Commission launch or provide backing for a rescue mission to Albania in order to protect at least those remaining treasures which form part of Europeís cultural heritage? Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (13 June 1997) As the Honourable Member is aware, through its reply to the oral question H-350/97 by Mr Alavanos during question time at Parliamentís May 1997 part-session (1) the Commission has already expressed its concern and willingness to consider measures through the PHARE programme in favour of the protection of the archaeological site at Buthrotum. These measures, however, can not be considered and undertaken in the immediate future due to the conditions still prevailing in that part of the country. In its contacts with the new government of reconciliation, the Commission intends to raise this issue and the appropriate measures to be undertaken. Furthermore, and once the conditions allow, the Commission could also consider support for a mission of experts for an evaluation of the situation as well as the implementation of emergency measures to protect this important archaeological site from further damage and deterioration. This mission and measures could be carried out in the framework of crossborder cooperation (Greece/Albania/Italy) in consultation and close cooperation with the Albanian authorities and under the auspices of an international organisation such as the International council of monuments and sites (ICOMOS). (1) Debates of the Parliament (May 1997). (98/C 21/142) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1446/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (28 April 1997) Subject: Copyright in the EU Many artists across Europe are calling for a uniform copyright law to enable the heirs of deceased artists to collect royalties in the EU on their works. What is the Commissionís position on this issue and does it believe that harmonization would benefit artists throughout the EU?