Proposed changes to Copyright Exemptions in respect of Music Licensing

The UK Intellectual Property Office has launched a consultation on proposed changes to copyright exemptions which apply to charitable and not-for-profit organisations playing recorded music in public. The Music Licensing Copyright Exemptions consultation launched 1 July 2008 and closes on 31 October 2008.

Two licenses are currently required to use recorded music in public. One is from Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), who represent performers and the owners of sound recordings, and the other from the Performing Right Society (PRS) which protects the rights of the composers and lyricists. Currently, all charities are exempt from the PPL licence (but not PRS).

The current system is being reviewed to ensure fair balance between the needs of charities and rights of copyright holders.  Three options are proposed, including abolishing the exemption, or exempting smaller charities from having to purchase either license.

We would encourage all charities who use recorded music to look at and respond to the consultation.

The consultation document is available at http://www.ipo.gov.uk/consult-musiclicensing.htm

Trustees can respond to the consultation in two ways –
• By sending your comments to CTN, who will then either pass them on or integrate them in CTN’s own response to the consultation. Send your comments to info@trusteenet.org.uk and mark the email ‘Consultation on proposed changes to music copyright exemptions’. The deadline for this is 20 October.
• Send your comments directly to the IPO. You can find out how to do this at http://www.ipo.gov.uk/consult-musiclicensing.htm The deadline for this is 31 October.