Proposed changes to copyright exemptions in respect of music licensing

The Government is launching a new consultation (1.23Mb) in respect of certain copyright exemptions which apply to playing recorded music in public.

The Government is aware that some exemptions in the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 may not be working well in maintaining the correct balance between the interests of music rights holders and users.  The sections to be reviewed are sections 67 and 72(1B)(a) and paragraphs 15 and 18(1A)(a) of Schedule 2 to the Act.  The Government also proposes to repeal sections 128A and 128B which relate to the operation of section 72.

The exemptions principally allow not-for-profit and charitable organisations, in certain specific circumstances, to play copyright sound recordings in public without being required to pay a licence fee for use of those sound recordings or the performances they contain.

The Music Licensing Copyright Exemptions consultation launches today, 1July 2008 and closes on 31 October 2008.

Comments may be sent by post, e-mail or fax to;

Music Licensing Review
Copyright and Intellectual Property Enforcement Directorate

Intellectual Property Office
Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales
NP10 8QQ
United Kingdom

Email: musiclicensingreview@ipo.gov.uk

Fax: +44 (0) 1633 814 922

Additionally. the Intellectual Property Office will be holding informal meetings with any interested parties later in 2008 (i.e. prior to  the consultation closing). Further information on this will be available shortly.