UK copyright law will be reformed under new plans unveiled by Business Secretary Vince Cable.

The announcement comes after a review of intellectual property legislation earlier in 2012. The new plans will allow copyrighted works to be used in certain cases without the permission of owners.

Mr Cable said: ““Making the intellectual property framework fit for the 21st century is not only common sense but good business sense. Bringing the law into line with ordinary people’s reasonable expectations will boost respect for copyright, on which our creative industries rely”.