Term of protection for sound recordings and performers' rights

This is currently set at 50 years, and is harmonized throughout Europe. In recent years there has been a growing campaign to see this term extended, possibly to 95 years as is granted in the USA.

The European Commission, fulfilling its earlier announcement of 14 February by Commissioner McCreevy has published on 16 July a draft directive which proposes to extend copyright term for sound recordings and performers from 50 to 95 years.

The UK had said that it does not believe an extension to 95 years is justified, but that it would consider an extension to cover the lifetime of the performer, such as 70 years, providing there were permanent benefits to performers. The European Parliament has recently approved a text along these lines, but this must also be approved by EU Member States before it can become law.