IFPI announced that Argentina has extended the term of copyright protection on sound recordings for performers and producers from 50 to 70 years.

According to the statement, the move was announced at the “Tango National Day” celebrations in Buenos Aires when the modification to Article 5 of the Intellectual Property Act was enacted. Term extension was supported by the Argentine Performers Association (AADI) and the Argentine Music Industry Chamber (CAPIF). Both groups said the new legislation would better protect local performers and producers and bring the country closer into line with emerging international trends in this area.

Many countries outside Europe grant performers and producers terms of copyright protection between 50 and 95 years. It means that performers can benefit from the royalties on their recordings into their old age when they can no longer as easily perform in live venues.

The new act should be beneficial to Argentine artists as more than half the albums bought in the country are recorded locally.

John Kennedy, chairman and chief executive of IFPI, which represents the recorded music industry worldwide, says: “I am delighted that Argentina has strengthened the rights of performers and producers by extending the term of protection. Argentina has a strong musical heritage and this reform means that producers will have a greater incentive to invest in the next generation of local talent.”

For more information visit: www.ifpi.org