Latest news with #DCL
Business Wire
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
AI Re-Use Rights for Content Now Available in Digital Copyright License from VG WORT and RightsDirect
DANVERS, Mass. & MUNICH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In collaboration with RightsDirect, a subsidiary of the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC), VG WORT offers an extension to the existing VG WORT Digital Copyright License (DCL): The collective licensing solution now also includes rights to re-use content within artificial intelligence (AI) applications for internal purposes. The VG WORT DCL provides German companies and their worldwide affiliates with a consistent set of re-use rights for legally acquired materials from an extensive repertory. The VG WORT DCL enables companies based in Germany to share and store content internally within their organizations. With the license extension, certain internal uses of AI have now been added. This provides a legally compliant solution for common types of use of copyright-protected content within companies. The license covers works published in German, English, and several other languages. 'Licensing provides contractual solutions for companies. We are delighted that the extended VG WORT DCL now also covers internal AI use within companies,' explains Dr. Robert Staats, managing member of the VG WORT executive board. 'Copyright laws differ widely across countries and re-use permission terms vary across rightsholders, making it challenging to use copyrighted content in AI technologies,' said Tracey Armstrong, President and CEO, CCC. German companies that subscribe to the VG WORT DCL are mostly operating in industries including Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare, Medical Devices and Diagnostics, Financial Services, Automotive, Engineering, Transportation, Telecommunications, and others. VG WORT is the only collective management organization in Germany that administers rights to written works on behalf of authors and publishers in a fiduciary capacity. It is organized as a commercial association under German law. RightsDirect provides advanced information and data integration solutions to organizations throughout Europe and Asia. Established in Amsterdam in 2010, the RightsDirect team, VG WORT's agent in Germany, collaborates closely with reproduction rights organizations (RRO) to develop licensing and content solutions that facilitate global copyright management. About CCC A pioneer in voluntary collective licensing, CCC advances copyright, accelerates knowledge, and powers innovation. With expertise in copyright, data quality, data analytics, and FAIR data implementations, CCC and its subsidiary RightsDirect collaborate with stakeholders on innovative solutions to harness the power of data and AI.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DCL International Unveils Breakthrough Catalyst for Fruit Preservation, Extending Shelf Life and Reducing Global Food Waste
TORONTO, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DCL International Inc. (DCL), part of the DCL Technology Group and a global leader in advanced catalytic technologies, announces a groundbreaking low-temperature catalyst designed to slow the ripening of fruit and significantly extend its shelf life during storage and transportation. This proprietary, patent-pending technology is poised to transform the cold chain supply industry by removing ethylene gas during the transport of fruit, thereby reducing food loss, enhancing fruit quality, and supporting global sustainability goals. Nearly 13.2% of all global food waste happens during the transport and storage of fruits, and a major contributor to that waste is unmanaged ethylene gas. This natural plant hormone accelerates ripening in climacteric fruits such as apples, bananas, avocados, and pears. Existing solutions, such as sprays and absorbing packets, either introduce contaminants, require manual maintenance, or take up valuable cargo space. DCL's catalytic system is engineered to remove ethylene gas buildup, which helps prevent premature aging during long-distance shipping and controlled atmosphere storage. The catalyst operates efficiently at refrigeration temperatures and under high humidity conditions, making it ideally suited for produce storage rooms, transport containers, and reefer trailers. DCL's ethylene removal catalyst helps maintain consistent freshness across long journeys, with preliminary lab and pilot tests showing reduced ripening over an 8-day period. With DCL's catalyst, an apple grown in Washington is more likely to arrive at a market in New York just as fresh as it was at the orchard. "At DCL, we're committed to advancing technologies that reduce waste and create more sustainable supply chains," said Shazam Williams, Technical Director at DCL International. "Our new fruit preservation catalyst not only operates under the demanding conditions of refrigerated storage, but does so without the use of sprays or chemicals, making it ideal for sensitive or organic produce. This innovation reflects our mission to solve real-world problems with high-impact engineering." In addition to ethylene gas removal, key features and benefits of the new DCL catalyst include: No Chemical Sprays: Unlike 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatments, DCL's system is non-toxic and compatible with organic produce. Low-Temperature Performance: Functions effectively at 4°C in humid, cold storage environments. Self-Regenerating Catalyst: Built in-house and regenerates using waste heat or ambient air without external energy input. Maintenance-Free Operation: No need for manual replacement, cleaning, or service. Flexible Integration: Fits refrigeration units on storage rooms, trailers, and shipping containers. Provisional Patent Filed: Technology protected under initial U.S. and Canadian patent filings, with the potential to file in other countries. "Food preservation is no longer just a packaging problem. It's a global engineering challenge," added Williams. "With billions of dollars lost each year to spoilage, DCL's fruit preservation catalyst opens new possibilities for producers, shippers, and retailers seeking reliable, chemical-free preservation solutions." In preliminary lab and pilot tests, fruit exposed to DCL's catalyst showed reduced ripening over an extended period compared to untreated control samples. Field trials are currently being prepared in partnership with commercial storage operators, and DCL is actively engaging partners in the agricultural, logistics, and food storage sectors to expand field deployment and commercialization of its fruit preservation technology. About DCL International International has been a global leader in advanced catalytic solutions for over 40 years, helping industries operate more cleanly and efficiently. As a family-owned company, DCL specializes in high-performance catalysts, catalyst substrates, and emission control systems designed to help businesses meet stringent environmental standards without sacrificing reliability or productivity. With operations in North America and Europe, DCL collaborates with clients worldwide to develop innovative, sustainable technologies that reduce emissions, decarbonize natural gas, and improve industrial efficiency. The company's mission is to make cleaner energy more practical, effective, and accessible. DCL is committed to engineering solutions that empower industries to thrive in a cleaner, more sustainable future. Media Contact: Lisa MurrayTrevi Communications, Inc. 978.750.0333 / 617.835.0396 lisa@ Photos accompanying this announcement are available at A video accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AI Re-Use Rights for Content Now Available in Digital Copyright License from VG WORT and RightsDirect
Corporate License Holders in Germany Can Now Benefit from a New Offering Facilitating the Use of Content Within AI Systems for Internal Purposes DANVERS, Mass. & MUNICH, May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In collaboration with RightsDirect, a subsidiary of the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC), VG WORT offers an extension to the existing VG WORT Digital Copyright License (DCL): The collective licensing solution now also includes rights to re-use content within artificial intelligence (AI) applications for internal purposes. The VG WORT DCL provides German companies and their worldwide affiliates with a consistent set of re-use rights for legally acquired materials from an extensive repertory. The VG WORT DCL enables companies based in Germany to share and store content internally within their organizations. With the license extension, certain internal uses of AI have now been added. This provides a legally compliant solution for common types of use of copyright-protected content within companies. The license covers works published in German, English, and several other languages. "Licensing provides contractual solutions for companies. We are delighted that the extended VG WORT DCL now also covers internal AI use within companies," explains Dr. Robert Staats, managing member of the VG WORT executive board. "Copyright laws differ widely across countries and re-use permission terms vary across rightsholders, making it challenging to use copyrighted content in AI technologies," said Tracey Armstrong, President and CEO, CCC. German companies that subscribe to the VG WORT DCL are mostly operating in industries including Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare, Medical Devices and Diagnostics, Financial Services, Automotive, Engineering, Transportation, Telecommunications, and others. VG WORT is the only collective management organization in Germany that administers rights to written works on behalf of authors and publishers in a fiduciary capacity. It is organized as a commercial association under German law. RightsDirect provides advanced information and data integration solutions to organizations throughout Europe and Asia. Established in Amsterdam in 2010, the RightsDirect team, VG WORT's agent in Germany, collaborates closely with reproduction rights organizations (RRO) to develop licensing and content solutions that facilitate global copyright management. About CCC A pioneer in voluntary collective licensing, CCC advances copyright, accelerates knowledge, and powers innovation. With expertise in copyright, data quality, data analytics, and FAIR data implementations, CCC and its subsidiary RightsDirect collaborate with stakeholders on innovative solutions to harness the power of data and AI. View source version on Contacts For more information: Craig SenderSenior Director, Public & Analyst Relationscsender@ +1 (917) 626-7152 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Web Release
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Web Release
Drone Champions League Expands in the UAE with Five-Year Global Growth Plan
Drone Champions League (DCL), the world's leading drone sport and mixed-reality racing platform, has announced the expansion of its operations in the UAE as part of its next phase of global growth. The move follows a major milestone at the A2RL x DCL Autonomous Drone Championship, where elite teams from across the globe competed for a $1 million prize pool and delivered standout performances—including a strong showing in the headline AI vs Human showdown. The expansion marks a strategic step in DCL's five-year roadmap to evolve from elite competition platform to global tech and culture brand—merging racing, content, and talent development across physical and digital worlds. As the league gains global traction, DCL's expansion to the UAE marks a strategic turning point and reinforces its wider five-year plan to evolve from a competitive global league into a cultural and technological movement. Backed by regional innovation partners and a long-term vision already in motion, DCL will lead the next chapter of drone racing anchored by its deepening ties to the UAE. Its roadmap spans competition, education, media, gaming, and fashion—positioning the league not only as a premier sporting platform but as a driving force in youth culture and next-gen technology. 'The UAE is the ideal launchpad for what comes next,' said Markus Stampfer, Executive Chair of Drone Champions League. 'From elite competition to immersive media and real-world tech applications, DCL will shape how the world sees and experiences drones. The vision is not just to push boundaries in speed and performance — but to inspire a generation, build careers, and unlock the full potential of autonomous systems in everyday life.' As DCL charts its next phase in the UAE, future plans include the development of dedicated infrastructure to support elite drone training, community engagement, and real-world innovation. Among the ideas under consideration are large-scale flight arenas, next-generation pilot certification programmes, and interactive learning hubs designed to bring the excitement of drone technology to a wider public. DCL is also expanding its creative and digital footprint through the DCL Media House—its content and storytelling division—aimed at producing cinematic drone footage, behind-the-scenes stories, athlete profiles, and original series in collaboration with extreme sports icons and content creators. At the heart of DCL's vision is a cultural shift: connecting with Gen Z and Gen Alpha through a multi-dimensional ecosystem that merges esports, real-world racing, streetwear, and STEM education. Initiatives in development include global education partnerships, lifestyle collaborations, and industry events that bring together voices from technology, gaming, entertainment, and youth culture. With a growing footprint in the UAE, DCL aims to contribute to the region's momentum in AI and autonomous mobility by creating new professional pathways—from drone engineers to creative technologists—while helping to shape an inclusive, future-ready foundation of skilled professionals.
Int'l Business Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
U.S. Department of Education Eases Accreditation Switching for Colleges, Aims to Boost Competition
The U.S. Department of Education announced a significant policy shift on May 1, 2025, designed to make it easier for colleges and universities to switch accrediting agencies. This move, detailed in a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), aligns with President Donald Trump's Executive Order, Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education , which seeks to promote innovation and competition in higher education by reducing bureaucratic barriers. The new guidance revokes policies from the Biden administration that required a detailed review process for institutions seeking to change accreditors. According to the Department, the updated process adheres strictly to the Higher Education Act (HEA) and existing regulations, which mandate that institutions provide materials related to prior accreditation and demonstrate "reasonable cause" for switching. The DCL clarifies: "the law and regulation describe the requirements regarding what constitutes reasonable cause for changing an accrediting agency. It is not the Department's prerogative to infer any other meanings from the basic requirements or contrive a multi-step investigation." This streamlined approach aims to eliminate unnecessary obstacles, allowing institutions to select accreditors that better align with their mission and goals. "We must foster a competitive marketplace both amongst accreditors and colleges and universities in order to lower college costs and refocus postsecondary education on improving academic and workforce outcomes for students and families," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. The policy change is part of a broader effort to reform the accreditation system, which plays a critical role in determining eligibility for over $100 billion in federal student loans and Pell Grants annually. The Department emphasized that it will no longer "micromanage" an institution's choice of accreditor, giving colleges greater flexibility to pursue innovative educational models. However, the announcement also noted a temporary pause, effective October 29, 2024, on accepting and reviewing applications from new accrediting agencies. This decision was made due to a high volume of existing accreditors under review, suggesting a cautious approach to expanding the pool of accreditors while prioritizing the new switching process. The initiative has sparked discussion in higher education circles. Proponents argue it will empower institutions to seek accreditors that support their unique objectives, potentially driving down costs and enhancing program quality. Critics, however, express concern that loosening oversight could complicate accountability, particularly as accreditation remains a key gatekeeper for federal funding. As colleges navigate this new landscape, the Department's actions signal a commitment to reducing regulatory burdens and encouraging a more dynamic higher education ecosystem. Originally published on University Herald
