European Commission publishes proposals on term of copyright for sound recordings and co-written musical compositions | Practical Law

European Commission publishes proposals on term of copyright for sound recordings and co-written musical compositions | Practical Law

The European Commission has published a proposal to extend the term of protection for sound recordings from 50 to 95 years. A proposed amendment to the Copyright Term Directive (2006/116/EC) would include a series of measures aimed at ensuring that session musicians benefit from the extended term. The Commission also proposes that the term of protection of a musical composition should expire 70 years after the death of the last surviving author, be it the author of the lyrics or the composer of the music. This proposal has been welcomed by music industry representatives, but will be opposed by others who believe that music should be freely available after the current 50-year term.

European Commission publishes proposals on term of copyright for sound recordings and co-written musical compositions

by PLC IPIT & Communications
Law stated as at 16 Jul 2008 • European Union
The European Commission has published a proposal to extend the term of protection for sound recordings from 50 to 95 years. A proposed amendment to the Copyright Term Directive (2006/116/EC) would include a series of measures aimed at ensuring that session musicians benefit from the extended term. The Commission also proposes that the term of protection of a musical composition should expire 70 years after the death of the last surviving author, be it the author of the lyrics or the composer of the music. This proposal has been welcomed by music industry representatives, but will be opposed by others who believe that music should be freely available after the current 50-year term.