Musical copyright terms 'to stay'

Found on BBC on Sunday, 26 November 2006
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Sir Cliff Richard appears set to lose a battle to extend the number of years that musicians can receive royalties for their records, the BBC has learned.

He wants copyright to last 95 years, rather than the present 50 years.

This outcome would mean the report had "missed a great opportunity" to support the music industry, the chairman of the British Phonographic Industry claimed.

Music journalist Neil McCormack told BBC Radio Five Live that this outcome would be a blow to the industry.

"You can make a record in 1955 and have been getting royalties," he said. "Suddenly they're gone."

John Kennedy, the chairman of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, predicted the Treasury would be forced to decide "whether or not it wants to support one of its successful industries".

"If the UK government decides not to support copyright equalisation, then the music industry will have to continue its campaign in Europe," he said.

Yes, bad news indeed for them. This means they cannot sue and extort people who share oldies anymore. Seriously, if you have to rely on some 50 year old hit to pay for your pension, you did something wrong in your life. And all those hidden threats about supporting a successful industry and continuing in Europe; nobody wants them here either. Equalisation is easy: reduce all copyrights to 50 years. Voila, problem solved. Perhaps this would help forcing the industry to rethink its useless business model.