[Fmpro] UK info

[LesHurdle]

Copyright Tribunal update - Webcasters drop appeal

In July 2007, The UK Copyright Tribunal returned its decision in  
relation to the rate paid to songwriters and composers when their  
music is used in online music services.
The Tribunal has endorsed a settlement agreement negotiated in  
September 2006 between the Music Alliance - representing composers  
and songwriters - and the majority of the online music industry. The  
Tribunal concluded that this agreement, freely made between these  
parties, should be the basis for the template for online licensing in  
the future.

The Tribunal decision confirms that songwriters, composers and their  
publishers should receive 8% of gross revenues from online music  
service providers for on-demand services including downloads and  
subscription streaming services, 6.5% of revenues for interactive  
webcasting services and 5.75% for non-interactive webcasting. The  
concept of minimum royalties for all types of online use has been  
strongly confirmed, which was a key part of the Music Alliance’s case  
to protect its members’ rights and revenues.