UK-IPO Response to the European Commission’s proposal to extend the term of copyright protection

The UK-IPO today responded to the European Commission’s proposal to extend the term of copyright protection for sound recordings from 50 to 95 years

Additional measures in the Directive include a proposal that record producers set aside 20% of all revenues for a fund for session artists. A 'use it or lose it' clause should enable performers to regain the rights in recordings over 50 years old which are no longer available commercially. There is also a proposal to align the term of protection for the music and lyrics which together make a musical composition.

Minister of Intellectual Property Baroness Delyth Morgan said,

"Because copyright represents a monopoly we need to be very clear that the circumstances justify an extension. We will therefore need to consider these proposals carefully to understand how they would work and what the benefits are likely to be. I would like to hear what the public thinks about this and would urge all those who have an interest in these proposals to make sure their voice is heard and to contact the UK-IPO by the end of August."

The Gowers Review of Intellectual Property, an independent government commissioned review, recommended against an extension of copyright term. Evidence suggested that extending the term of protection would negatively impact on consumers and industry.

Editor's notes

• Andrew Gowers undertook a review of Intellectual Property in 2005 and reported his findings to the Government in December 2006. He identified a number of areas where improvements could be made. The Government committed to taking the recommendations forward. The full review can be viewed at The HM Treasury website.
• As part of the Gowers Review a report was commissioned from the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Law to examine the economic evidence for extending the term of protection for sound recordings.
• If you have any comments on the proposal you are invited to contact Barbara Squires at Termextension@ipo.gov.uk by the end of August.
• For more information, contact Rhys Stacker in the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) press office on +44(0)207 300 8105 or +44(0)779 542 7054. For media calls out-of-hours please contact the duty DIUS press officer on +44(0)7699 741220.
• For enquiries about the UK Intellectual Property Office press or media activities please contact the Communications Team on +44(0)1633 814840 or +44(0)1633 814305.

Date of release: 18 July 2008