[comradio-l] Proposed changes to Copyright Exemptions in respect of Music Licensing

[CMA-L]

+++ Apologies for cross-posting +++

Launch date: 1 July 2008
Closing date: 31 October 2008

The Government is launching a new consultation 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.

- Music Licensing Consultation Document PDF document: http://tinyurl.com/5ozggj
- Music Licensing Consultation Document MS Word Document:
http://tinyurl.com/6cb65q

To assist users who may have an interest in this issue but are not
familiar with copyright law there is a short form of the document
highlighting the main points:

- Short form of Music Licensing Consultation Document PDF document:
http://tinyurl.com/5w7wh5
- Short form Music Licensing Consultation Document MS Word Document:
http://tinyurl.com/6jqcfk

How to respond:

The deadline for responses to this consultation is 31 October 2008.

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

Music Licensing Review
Copyright and Intellectual Property Enforcement Directorate
UK Intellectual Property Office
Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
NP10 8QQ

E-mail: musiclicensingreview at ipo.gov.uk

Fax: +44 (0)1633 814922