Term of copyright for sound recordings
Draft Directive
The European Commission
published the Draft Directive on the term of copyright for sound recordings 
on 16
July 2008. The Directive proposes an extension in the term for sound recordings and performers
from 50 to 95 years.
Additional measures include:
- a proposal that record producers set aside 20% of all revenues for a fund for session artists and;
- that if a record label is not releasing a track commercially that is over 50 years old, then the right in the sound recording will cease to exist and performers can request that the rights in the performance revert to them - a 'use it or lose it' clause;
- a proposal to align the term of protection for the music and lyrics in a musical composition.