Copyright term extension for sound recordings
A post implementation review (PIR) for EU Directive 2011/77/EU which increased the term for sound recordings from 50 to 70 years.
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EU Directive 2011/77 EU sought to enhance the welfare of performers and record labels by extending the period that they can be remunerated for their sound recordings and performances. This period was extended from 50 to 70 years following publication. This means that where sound recordings and performances would have come out of copyright protection after 50 years, they are now protected for another 20 years.
To date this has provided additional protection to works published between 1963 and 1968. However, the impact of this policy will grow over time and by 2033 there will be a full 20-year period for which recordings will have been protected.
The post implementation review (PIR) considered evidence from a range of sources. This included creative industry stakeholders and a report conducted for the European Union.
On the whole the policy has been successful at realising its intended aims and has resulted in an additional £600k being paid out to session musicians and approximately an additional £1.7m in royalties to artists.