At the end of May 2026, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) published a study mapping copyright-related databases and metadata standards across the European Union, marking an important milestone towards improving access to copyright information in the EU.
The findings show that each creative sector – film and television, music and publishing – manage works, rights and distribution models according to their own operational needs, resulting in fragmented approaches and limited interoperability between systems.
The study Mapping of EU Databases and Metadata Standards Providing Information on Copyright-Protected Works analyzes a wide range of existing databases and finds that data on works and authors are currently scattered across unconnected systems. This fragmentation leads to duplication of records, creating legal uncertainty and increasing transaction costs for creators and right holders.
The study’s findings will inform the work of the CopyrightView Expert Group (bringing together experts and stakeholders to support the future development of the initiative), as well as future feasibility and technical specification activities to be carried out in consultation with stakeholders.The study was conducted under the umbrella of the EUIPO Copyright Knowledge Centre which provides practical guidance and resources on copyright, helping creators address the challenges posed by piracy and the rise of generative AI.
Why it matters
Metadata associated with copyright-protected works (often described as the “passport” of a work) contains valuable information on authorship, ownership and rights status.
Information on copyright-protected works is crucial for licensing, remuneration, transparency and the implementation of copyright rules in digital environments, including in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). However, information on works, rightsholders and usage conditions is often dispersed across multiple public and private databases that rely on different identifiers, metadata practices and technical standards.
Against this backdrop, the study points to ways of improving access to copyright metadata across Europe and lays the groundwork for the development of “CopyrightView”, an initiative aimed at enhancing transparency and facilitating access to reliable copyright information throughout the EU. It also highlights challenges related to data quality, legacy infrastructures and legal constraints, particularly concerning data protection.
Further reading
New EUIPO study marks major step towards a one-stop shop for copyright information in Europe. Press release. June 1, 2026. European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
Mapping of EU Databases and metadata standards providing information on copyright-protected works. Landing page. Accessed June 2, 2026. European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
