Overview

This bill extends the copyright term for sound recordings and performers' rights in the UK. It increases the protection period from 50 years to 95 years, impacting existing and future works.

Description

The Copyright in Sound Recordings and Performers’ Rights (Term Extension) Bill amends the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Key changes include:

Sound Recordings:

• Extends copyright in sound recordings from 50 to 95 years from the end of the calendar year in which the recording was made.
• Addresses existing copyright works, ensuring they are protected under the new terms while avoiding the revival of expired copyrights.
• Clarifies ownership of extended copyright, dealing with existing licenses and agreements.

Performers' Rights:

• Extends performers' rights (both economic and moral) from 50 to 95 years from the end of the calendar year in which the performance took place, or if a recording is released, from the release date.
• Specifies that existing performers' rights continue to subsist under the extended terms unless expired before commencement.
• Deals with ownership and licensing of extended performers' rights, handling existing agreements and consents.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The impact on government expenditure is likely to be minimal, as the bill primarily affects the duration of copyright and performers' rights, not directly government budget allocations.

Groups Affected

• Copyright holders (sound recording companies, performers, etc.): They benefit from extended protection of their intellectual property, potentially increasing their income from licensing and royalties.
• Users of copyrighted material (radio stations, streaming services, etc.): They may face increased costs for licensing material protected under the extended terms.
• The Public: Access to older music and performances could be affected, with some works potentially remaining unavailable or becoming more expensive due to extended copyright protection.

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