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On 13 November 2010 the Latvian Competition Council (CC) adopted a decision allowing the merger of the two largest cable TV operators in Latvia, the Baltkom Group and the Izzi Group. The case is interesting in terms of the market definition provided, as well as taking into account that the merger was allowed despite the fact that it will result in the market power of the new merged cable operator. In its market analysis the CC had to establish whether the pay-television market constitutes a single relevant product market, or whether it should be divided into separate relevant product markets according...

In recent times Latvia has been undergoing a legislative procedure to adopt a new Electronic Media Law that is intended to transpose the AVMSD and to replace the 1995 Radio and Television Law (see IRIS 2010-7: 1/28). Now, after a period of long and challenging discussions and actions by various stakeholders and officials the new law is finally adopted and has come into force. The previous reports on the review of the draft Electronic Media Law have already reflected the complicated and slow movement of the draft through the Saeima (Parliament). Saeima adopted the draft Electronic Media Law at the...

On 17 June 2010 a new Film Act was adopted in Latvia. This is the first primary legislative act governing the film industry, production and regulation in Latvia. Previously, the area was not regulated by any comprehensive legal act. Certain issues were regulated by secondary legislative acts: Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 588 of 26 July 2005 "The regulation of the State agency National Film Centre (NFC)"; Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 487 of 20 November 2001 "Regulations of the film distribution"; Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 429 of 10 June 2008 "The Order...

As reported previously (see IRIS 2009-10: 16/22) Latvia is planning to adopt a new Electronic Media Law which is intended to transpose the AVMSD. The Electronic Media Law (Draft) is not the first draft intended to replace the 1995 Radio and Television Law currently in force. As media laws have traditionally been a widely discussed topic among the Latvian public, the previous attempts have been unsuccessful. Also, the progress of the Draft in the Saeima (Latvian Parliament) is far from smooth. However, it may be hoped that this draft will be adopted, as otherwise Latvia may face severe consequences...

The protection of copyright is fundamentally guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia (Satversme), Art. 113: The state recognises the freedom of scientific, artistic and other creation, as well as protects the copyright and patent rights. The current framework of copyright protection in Latvia is governed by the 2000 Copyright Law (Autortiesību likums). This law replaced the previous 1993 Law on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights. The 2000 Copyright Law governs all the main issues of the protection of copyright, neighbouring rights, as well as the sui generis right of database protection....