The UK music industry has failed in its attempt to extend the copyright law period after the British government rejected its plea. The government would need to push the European Commission to make this change in law, but as it would not benefit the majority of performers, it decided it would not be appropriate.
As a result, the IFPI is not happy and is now accusing the government of showing scant respect for British artists and the recording industry. Under current law, music performers can earn royalties on their work for up to 50 years from the year end the recording was made, however, the music industry has been trying to get this extended to at least 70 years. In the US and Australia, copyright protection lasts up to 95 and 70 years respectively for performers. The music industry plans to continue its battle, saying it will put forward the strong case for fair copyright in Europe.
In my opinion, 50 years is more than enough to be earning money from a performance, as most other copyrighted and patented products become obsolete very quickly. For example, the music industry mentioned that Cliff Richard will lose out on royalties from its first hit 'Movie It!' soon as it will hit its 50 year deadline. However, for the vast majority of people, once they leave their job, they no longer earn anything from all the hard work they carried out with that company, so for a person to be still getting a guaranteed revenue stream for a piece of work that was carried out up to 50 years ago, this should be seen as a big bonus and not a "just 50 years?" type of remark.
Thanks to heystoopid for letting us know about this Reuters news story, who made the following comments:
Now this is some good news for some but very bad news for the big four in the recording industry given how much of their income is actually derived from mechanical copyright!
In some ways it could lead to a possible revival of many of the older style music from the roaring twenties to the early fifties , as the music's big four ever tighten their grip on modern music to extract royalties for the third or fourth time and will have a major impact as the best the brightest and most innovative of the British Rock Era falls out of copyright within the next decade! , and may have a flow on effect in the direction Internet Radio may go?
Who knows it may lead to a completely new unique style or blend of smart jazz , jitterbug along with old style rock'n'roll and classical mixes?
Still it is very sad "John Kennedy's the man from IFPI and his very negative comments , so I guess UK will now become the hot bed of all the world's music pirates condensed into one small island in Europe , given his stance on the matter!
Oh well back to listening to good old "Lili Marlene" by Lale Andersen
