Press Release: Copyright: cross-border licences for online music services

On 4 February 2014, the European Parliament approved new rules on music copyright by voting on the new Directive on collective rights management and multi-territorial licensing of musical works for online use. The directive aims to make it easier for online providers to get licences to stream music in more than one EU country.

The law, already informally agreed with Council, should stimulate the development of EU-wide online music services for consumers and ensure that artists' rights are better protected and that they receive adequate royalties promptly.

Under the new rules, online music service providers in the EU will be able to obtain licenses from collective management organisations representing authors' rights across borders. With licenses covering more than one member state, service providers should find it easier to stream music services across the EU.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Collective management of copyright and multi-territorial licensing for online music http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-collective-management-of-copyright-and-multi-territorial-licensing-for-online-music/

European Commission: RAPID: Memo, MEMO/14/79: Directive on collective management of copyright and related rights and multi-territorial licensing – frequently asked questions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-79_en.pdf

European Commission: RAPID: Memo, MEMO/14/80: Commissioner Michel Barnier welcomes the European Parliament vote on the Directive on collective rights management http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-80_en.pdf

EUObserver, 05.02.14: MEPs back pan-EU music licence deal http://euobserver.com/news/123011

EurActiv: 06.02.14: Parliament votes for easier copyright rules for online music providers http://www.euractiv.com/innovation-enterprise/parliament-votes-easier-copyrigh-news-533304

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