EU Votes to Extend Music Copyright Term to 70 Years

The European Parliament has voted to lengthen sound recording copyright to 70 years, up from the previous limit of 50 years. If the proposal is passed by the EU states in the European Council to become a law, artists like The Beatles and the Rolling Stones will continue to receive royalties on recordings for another 20 years.

Sir Cliff Richard, Roger Daltrey and Sir Paul McCartney are among the many musicians who argued in favor of the proposal. However, British singers Paul McCartney, Elton John and Mick Jagger lost millions of their personal fortunes last year due to the economic crisis, so it’s possible that they are looking to compensate for their losses with the new EU law. Continue reading...