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Pan European licensing

The Academy and the MPA issued an official statement from Brussels.

This is a hotly debated and increasingly important issue, instigated two years ago by a report from the European Commission setting out measures for updating the management of online rights in musical works, recommending that an EU-wide copyright licensing system be established.  In the latest developments the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters and the Music Publishers Association have became aware that the EU Observer has organised a conference entitled "Creative Rights and Cultural Diversity" and are holding sessions that include neither composers nor publishers.  On behalf of British composers and publishers we are issuing the following statement:
 

"The licensing of the use of music on a national basis is complex.  Finding a solution for the licensing of music on a pan European basis is even more complex.  Rome was not built in a day and a radical change and overhaul of the licensing structure across Europe cannot be achieved by revolution overnight, but evolution over a period of time.

In recognition of our position as representatives of creators and other rightsholders, we the Academy and MPA are determined to reiterate our support for the fundamental principle that composers, songwriters and their publishers have the right to determine the basis upon which on line rights in music may be granted throughout the EEA.

We are equally determined to facilitate the development of the online market place by making our rights available to the providers of online music services (and our music available to consumers) on terms to be agreed, either directly with such providers or, more probably, via the collection society or societies of our choice.

The Academy and the Music Publishers Association seek a solution which takes full account of the need to ensure that composers and publishers continue to flourish in a competitive market in the interest of maintaining Europe’s rich and diverse culture.

Composers and publishers have:

1 The right to determine the commercial terms upon which their music is licensed

2 The right to decide who shall grant such licence"

Chris Green, CEO, The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters

Stephen Navin, Chief Executive, Music Publishers Association


for further information please go to

http://www.mpaonline.org.uk/Publications/Articles/Pan-European_Licensing.html

and

http://www.mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk/membership/licensing_the_future/Pages/default.aspx