Anna Washenko
- Copyrights & Legal , Metrics & Research
- November 8, 2016
- 0 views
Study: U.S. Copyright Act exemption costs $44 million for EU rightsholders
A new study investigated how an exemption in the U.S. Copyright Act impacts songwriters and composers in Europe. The law in question allows certain small restaurants and retail businesses from getting licenses for music played on the television or radio in their establishments.
- Copyrights & Legal
- March 5, 2015
- 0 views
Songwriter Equity Act returns to Congress to try changing composer royalties
The Songwriter Equity Act has been reintroduced to Congress, which could lead to changes in how royalties to composers are calculated. The act, which was initially introduced last February but not passed, seeks again to amend two sections of the Copyright Act.
Brad Hill
- AM/FM/HD/Satellite , Copyrights & Legal
- February 6, 2015
- 0 views
U.S. Copyright Office rattles cages with profound critique of music licensing
The U.S. Copyright Office released a comprehensive critique of how music licensing works in the U.S. Criticism, by itself, is not noteworth ythese days. The document is exceptional for its detail, pedigree, and disruptive recommendations. The headline recommendation: Broadcast radio should start paying artists.
- AM/FM/HD/Satellite , Copyrights & Legal
- September 18, 2014
- 0 views
Local broadcaster’s geo-fencing lawsuit recommended for dismissal
A Virginia magistrate recommended dismissing the lawsuit filed by VerStandig Broadcasting against SoundExchange. Magistrate Judge Joel Hoppe suggested the dismissal due to a lack of controversy between the two parties, according to Radio World. VerStandig filed a suit against the royalty collector on claims that its use of geo-fencing should exempt it from needing to pay copyright royalties. The broadcaster claimed that it could use this technology to cap streaming content within 150 miles of its transmitter.
SoundExchange joins U.S. lawmakers and musicians to fix pre-1972 copyright loophole
SoundExchange and a coalition of recording artists launched an awareness campaign called Project72, coordinated with the introduction of new legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives called The RESPECT Act. At stake is the earning power of records released before February 15, 1972.
- AM/FM/HD/Satellite
- May 2, 2014
- 0 views
Radio group sues to escape royalty payments, using Copyright Act loophole
A small Virginia radio group, VerStandig Broadcasting, has filed for a declarative judgment in a local district court, seeking to escape payment of performance royalties in its webcasts. The loophole exists in radio’s exemption from paying for the recordings it broadcasts over the air.
Webcasters take note: U.S. government wants your suggestions to fix music licensing
Music licensing is a mess — few people or companies would disagree. The copyright arm of the U.S. government is thinking about change. As part of the process, the U.S. Copyright Office is initiating a Music Licensing Study, and seeks comments. If the Copyright Act is headed for reform, this is the webcaster’s opportunity to be part of the process.
