Intellectual Property

Proposed changes to Copyright Exemptions in respect of Music Licensing

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.

To assist users who may have an interest in this issue but are not familiar with copyright law we have also produced a short form of the document highlighting the main points.

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@ipo.gov.uk

Fax: +44 (0)1633 814922

The information you supply will be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1988 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Information will only be used for its intended purpose. It will not be published, sold or used for sales purposes.