UK music industry and performers to benefit from new copyright laws
Posted, April 23, 2009 @ 17:00
MEPs vote to extend the term of music copyright protection in the EU
Strasbourg, 23rd April 2009 -- The extension of music copyright laws will help the UK record industry stay competitive in the global market place, said Sajjad Karim MEP, Conservative legal affairs spokesman, after the European Parliament adopted the proposals today.
The Conservatives are supporting a compromise proposal that will extend EU copyright protection on musical recordings and performances from 50 to 70 years. This will bring the EU closer to the US and India (which currently have 95 year copyright terms) whilst also recognising concerns that lengthening the term of copyright to 95 years in the EU was too long a period. It is hoped the extension will help to address the distortion of competition between the EU, the US and India which is necessary as the disparities have put British record companies and artists at a competitive disadvantage.
Now that music is readily available online it is also important that copyright provisions take account of this market change.
The hope is that the extension will benefit consumer choice and cultural diversity by ensuring the availability of resources to fund and develop new talent. The UK has a very strong music industry and safeguards must be put in place if we are to maintain our position in today's marketplace.
Mr Karim said:
"The copyright extension is a step in the right direction to protect artists and help businesses. If we expect the small record labels to continue investing in developing new and innovative music then it is only fair that their investments are protected."