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Business leaders in Guernsey have given their support to the idea of introducing an image rights registry.

The Institute of Directors said it could provide the island's economy with vital diversification and said it "ticks the right boxes".

The Commerce and Employment Department has suggested the development of a register which would be handled by the Intellectual Property Office.

The States will debate the proposal at the September meeting.

Anne Ewing, the chairman of Guernsey's institute, said: "The development of an image rights register would be a world first.

"Guernsey already possesses skills and expertise in this area," she said, "and it has the appetite and drive to become the first jurisdiction in the world to introduce legislation to exploit this market opportunity."

Ms Ewing said: "We are already ahead of our competitors.

"It can only be hoped that the States of Guernsey will appreciate this unique opportunity and act positively and without delay."

The department has said the legislation would include safeguards to ensure images could be used where they are in the public interest, to ensure the freedom of the press and for educational and private use.