All about copyright, understanding music licensing, and government regulations.
The European Parliament has voted against a sweeping and contentious copyright reform that would have meant major changes to the operation of online platforms such as YouTube. The Copyright Directive was voted down by 318 to 278, with 31 members abstaining. Continue Reading
The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted to approve the Music Modernization Act. Unanimous backing from the group means that the overhaul to music licensing and royalties will move ahead for consideration by the full Senate. Continue Reading
Songtradr has rolled out new tools in digital distribution and audience metadata. The platform can deliver music to streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play, and Deezer. Continue Reading
Legislation that would mean massive changes to the financial and copyright responsibilities shouldered by YouTube and other user-generated content platforms is moving to a summer vote in Europe. A committee in the European Parliament has voted in favor of moving ahead with a potential new law called the EU Copyright Directive. Continue Reading
SXWorks, a SoundExchange subsidiary, announced two new services to broaden its capabilities in searching and claiming address unknown Notice of Intention to Use filings. The new NOI Premium Services offers more paths for publishers and songwriters to claim unpaid mechanical royalties from digital service providers. This service includes Works Claiming and Recordation. Continue Reading
Sirius XM has reached a settlement with SoundExchange, ending outstanding claims surrounding royalty payments from January 2007 through December 2017. SoundExchange claimed that Sirius XM had taken deductions and exemptions in calculating its royalty payments. The satellite radio company will make a lump sum payment of $150 million to SoundExchange. Continue Reading
YouTube may be facing a new legal challenge in Europe. The Vienna Commercial Court issued a preliminary decision that YouTube is responsible for preventing its users from uploading infringing content. The decision is not final, but it is maintained in the court’s final ruling, the result could have rippling consequences for the video platform. Continue Reading
Spotify is reportedly offering advances to managers and indie artists as an incentive to consider direct licensing deals with the streaming service. Billboard reported that the company is offering up to several hundred thousand dollars in advances for managers that agree to license a particular number of tracks by indies directly to Spotify. On the platform, the managers and acts could then earn 50% of the revenue from those songs being streamed. Continue Reading
Live365, the venerable internet radio platform for webcasters at all levels, is now streaming in Canada. Licensing from SOCAN and Re:Sound enables the company to distribute in the U.S. neighbor. “This is only the beginning of our expansion,” says CEO Jon Stephenson. Continue Reading
Mixcloud has secured a multi-territory licensing deal with ICE, a group offering music royalties administration across several European regions. The license for Mixcloud covers the repertoire from PRS for Music (UK), STIM (Sweden), and GEMA (Germany). Continue Reading
YouTube is updating its system for crediting music in video uploads. The video platform is adding a new section of information called “Music in this video” that will be applied to both official music videos from performers and to fan-uploaded content. Continue Reading
The final nail is in the coffin for a long-time patent troll. Personal Audio had claimed the intellectual property rights to podcasting, launching cases against influential players from the corporate CBS to the individual comedian Adam Carolla to try to collect licensing fees. Continue Reading