IFPI announced that it welcomes today’s decision by the European Union to extend the term of copyright protection offered to music performers and producers from 50 to 70 years.
For more information visit: www.ifpi.org
Unedited press release follows:
Recording industry welcomes EU decision on copyright term extension
Brussels, 12th September 2011
The international recording industry welcomed today’s decision by the European Union to extend the term of copyright protection offered to performers and producers from 50 to 70 years.
The decision was applauded by Plácido Domingo, chairman of IFPI, which represents the recording industry worldwide: “The decision to extend the term of protection for recordings in Europe is great news for performing artists. Artists at the start of their careers will benefit from an increased pool of revenue that will be available to invest in new talent. Established artists can benefit from their work throughout their lifetimes. This is especially important today when licensed digital services make music widely available online.
“Extension of protection also reflects the important role performers play in the success of songs by narrowing the gap between the protection offered to recorded performances and that offered to compositions.”
Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI, added: “This is a victory for fairness. With this decision, the European Union is giving artists and producers in Europe the fair treatment they deserve. The extension of the term of protection to 70 years narrows the gap between Europe and its international partners and improves the conditions for investment in new talent.
“Over 38,000 artists and performers petitioned for this extension, supported by right holders from across the European music sector. Their calls have been heeded, and we thank the European Commission for having the vision to table this Directive, the European Parliament for giving it resounding support and the Member States, led on this occasion by the Polish Presidency of the EU, for making term extension a reality.”
Notes to editors
The EU term extension Directive extends term of protection for performers and producers of musical works from 50 to 70 years. It brings Europe’s artists and producers closer into line with the protection offered to authors and composers (life plus 70 years).
The Directive also narrows the gap between the term of protection in Europe and that of other countries and regions, where term of protection can range from 70 to 95 years.
The EU term of protection Directive was proposed by the European Commission in 2008 and voted on by the European Parliament in 2009. The Directive was adopted by the EU Council of Ministers in Brussels today. The legislation will be implemented by Member State Governments within two years from publication in the Official Journal.
About IFPI
IFPI is the organisation that promotes the interests of the international recording industry worldwide. Its membership comprises some 1,400 major and independent companies in 65 countries. It also has affiliated industry national groups in 45 countries.