ALMR welcomes plans to tighten up on copyright collection
The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has welcomed Government plans to tighten up controls on music copyright collection firms such as PRS for Music and Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL).
The proposal came last week in the Government's reponse to the Hargreaves review of Intellectual Property and Growth. While headlines focused on relaxing copyright laws on copying CDs, the ALMR pointed out that the Government had also sent a warning to collection societies.
In its response the Government promised to:
â- Draw up plans by early 2012 for a "backstop power" allowing for a statutory code "to be put in place for a collecting society that evidence shows has failed to introduce or adhere to a voluntary code incorporating the minimum standards".
The Government said it had "heard a range of concerns" about the operation of copyright collecting societies in the UK and elsewhere "from licensees concerning what they see as heavy-handed, misleading or unfair practice in charging for usage of works".
Commenting on the response, Nick Bish, ALMR's chief executive, said: "This is a very sensitive and topical issue and operators will be reassured that it's clearly on the Government's radar. We will be reinforcing all these messages."
ALMR increases membership by 20% >>
Pub and nightclub groups warn against disco music fees hike >>
Legislation, regulation and your business >>
By Neil Gerrard
E-mail your comments to Neil Gerrard here.
If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs