Extension of rights in sound recordings and performances to foreign nationals

Summary:

The document discusses the eligibility for rights in sound recordings and performances in UK law, specifically focusing on public performance rights (PPR). The UK is considering changes to the law to align eligibility for PPR across foreign sound recordings and foreign performances.

Option 1: Provide PPR to producers and performers of sound recordings on a reciprocal basis: This option would grant PPR to foreign producers and performers only where the country of nationality of the producer provides PPR for UK nationals. The direct impacts would primarily arise in relation to US music. UK broadcasters and those that play music in public would no longer need to pay to license US recorded music for broadcasting and public playing, resulting in substantial savings.

Key points:

u2022 Most US recorded music would cease to qualify for PPR, except in the case of certain digital transmissions
u2022 UK broadcasters and those that play music in public would no longer need to pay to license US recorded music
u2022 UK record labels and artists could face costs under this option
u2022 Estimated savings for UK broadcasters and those that play music in public: u00a3233 million and u00a3263 million respectively
u2022 Estimated additional revenues for UK producers and their artists: u00a3270 million