European Union Unleashes Proposal to Increase Copyright Protection Term From 50 To 95 Years
Commissioner Charlie McCreevy has disclosed that the European Union will formally seek to extend copyright protection for musical artists from 50 to 95 years. Pressured by many musicians and artists, McCreevy believes 50 years of copyright protection does not provide a “lifetime of income.” Performers in the United States currently enjoy 70 years of copyright protection enabling them to receive airplay royalties well into their later years.
The European Union and European Parliament both need to sign off on the agreement to make the extension official. At stake is several high-profile catalogs including the Beatles.
McCreevy is reportedly also looking into increasing and standardizing the copyright surcharge on blank media that compensate artists for duplication of their work, legally and otherwise.
