Overview

This Bill aims to improve the rights and financial compensation for musicians and other creators regarding their work's usage. It introduces measures to ensure greater transparency in how their work is exploited, allowing for fairer compensation and giving them the right to review and potentially reclaim their work after a set period.

Description

The Copyright (Rights and Remuneration of Musicians, Etc.) Bill amends the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Key changes include:

Performers' Rights:

• Equitable Remuneration: Performers retain the right to fair payment when their recording is made available online, even if they've transferred their rights to the producer.
• Transparency, Contract Adjustment, and Revocation: Performers are entitled to regular, detailed information about how their recordings are used and revenue generated. They can seek adjustments to their contracts if initial payments are deemed unfair compared to later profits. After 20 years, they can revoke their transferred rights.

Composers' and Songwriters' Rights:

• Transparency, Contract Adjustment, and Revocation: Similar rights are granted to composers and songwriters for their musical and accompanying literary works. They receive regular information on exploitation, can adjust contracts for unfair remuneration, and can revoke transferred rights after 20 years. Exceptions apply for works where copyright is owned by employers, the Crown, or Parliament.

The Copyright Tribunal is established as the body to resolve disputes concerning equitable remuneration, transparency, and contract adjustment.

Government Spending

The Bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The cost will be indirect, potentially arising from the administration of the new regulations, any tribunal-related costs, and any legal challenges to the legislation. No figures have been provided in this bill text.

Groups Affected

• Musicians and Performers: Potentially benefit from increased transparency, fairer payment, and the right to revoke transferred rights after 20 years.
• Composers and Songwriters: Benefit similarly to performers, with added provisions for transparency and contract adjustment.
• Record Labels and Music Publishers: May face increased costs and administrative burdens due to greater transparency requirements and potential contract adjustments.
• Streaming Services and Other Music Platforms: Will be affected by transparency requirements and the potential for disputes over payments.
• Copyright Tribunal: Will handle disputes arising from the implementation of the new regulations.

Powered by nyModel