Gowers says no to copyright extension
Andrew Gowers has recommended the UK keep recorded copyright at 50 years rather than extend it to 95, and proposed private copying rights for consumers.…
European Commission
116 posts
EC expected to launch in-depth investigation into Universal's BMG Publishing purchase
The European Commission is reportedly set to open an in-depth review of Universal's proposed acquisition of BMG Music Publishing, with a secondary review expected around 8 December.…
Universal publishing purchase gets US approval
The US Federal Trade Commission has reportedly cleared Universal Music's 1.63 billion euro takeover of Bertelsmann's BMG Music Publishing, though European Commission approval remains uncertain.…
IMPALA announce consultation on Universal BMG merger
IMPALA is consulting its members on Universal Music's proposed takeover of BMG Music Publishing, which it argues would breach competition rules and will feed into the European Commission investigation.…
Universal formally asks EC approval for BMG Publishing deal
Vivendi has formally asked the European Commission to approve its takeover of BMG Music Publishing, which IMPALA has said it will oppose.…
Film and music groups lobby Brussels to keep iPod levy
European filmmakers and musicians have lobbied EU officials to keep private copying levies on devices such as iPods, while campaigning for longer recording copyright terms.…
IMPALA respond to SonyBMG appeal
IMPALA says it expects SonyBMG's appeal against the European Court ruling on its merger to be rejected, arguing it raises only matters of fact rather than law.…
Warner boss reportedly considering EMI takeover again
According to the Times, Warner Music chief Edgar Bronfman Jnr is again considering a takeover bid for EMI after meeting major EMI shareholders, and EMI's share price rose 3.8 per cent.…
UK royalty body disputes eMusic licence
MCPS-PRS has disputed eMusic's claim to a pan-European licence via Dutch society Buma-Stemra, saying it does not recognise the licence.…
European Commission plans review of copyright levy system
The European Commission has unveiled plans to make copyright levies across Europe clearer and more consistent, aiming to reduce costs for electronics firms while still compensating rights-holders.…
Universal to acquire BMG Publishing
Universal Music Group is reportedly set to acquire Bertelsmann's BMG Music Publishing for over US$2 billion, subject to regulator approval.…
IMPALA call for Sony and BMG to demerge
IMPALA says SonyBMG must be demerged following the European court ruling that the Commission should not have approved the 2004 merger, and says BMG Music Publishing's sale should not proceed.…