It's a while since we did a readers' survey, but I'm pretty sure if we did then people would be asking for more licensing news on a Monday morning, so here we go. The Music Publishers Association has announced a new agreement with the Institute Of Practitioners In Advertising that should streamline the process of licensing the publishing rights to songs for use in adverts. The new MPA/IPA Synchronisation Licence For Music In Commercials has been jointly negotiated and takes the form of a standard licence and a set of guidance notes that should aid music publishers and ad makers.
Launching the new licence, MPA boss Stephen Navin told reporters: "Music has been used to promote and sell products for decades, but ever since Nick Kamen removed his Levi's to the accompaniment of Marvin Gaye singing Norman/Barrett's 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine', music publishers have stepped up their efforts to help advertising agencies create a powerful and long-lasting impact through the imaginative and frequently inspired use of music in commercials. This joint initiative will help MPA and IPA members to simplify and speed up the essential process of licensing the rights in the musical works."
Sarah Martin, who chairs the IPA's Commercials Production Policy Group, added: "Agency producers will be delighted that our two industries have been able to agree on a standard contract. It is a great step forward [that] will make negotiating music rights a much more transparent and straightforward process for all concerned."