Universal comment on collection societies complaint
Universal Music Group has said collection societies have set excessive royalty rates and imposed unfair terms, as its complaint to the European Commission proceeds.…
European Commission
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Universal accuse collection societies of restricting digital growth
Universal Music Group has complained to the European Commission that royalty collection societies are conspiring to force up digital royalty rates, forming what it calls a monopoly.…
European Commission to publish pan-European copyright proposals this week
Jacqueline Minor said proposals for a model of online music distribution would be published this week, leaving implementation to local collecting societies, which has disappointed download firms.…
BPI hits back at consumer group IP law claims
The National Consumer Council warns EU intellectual property enforcement could criminalise consumers, and BPI boss Peter Jamieson responds that its actions are civil and target serious offenders.…
EC to release proposals for standard copyright system
The European Commission is expected to publish proposals on Wednesday to simplify pan-European music copyright licensing, after download services complained of complexity.…
European Commission proposes pan-European copyright licensing system for online music
The European Commission has proposed a pan-European copyright and licensing system for online music, intended to cut administration costs across the EU's 25 member states.…
Geldof says Live 8 protests will fail but be glorious
Bob Geldof has told AFP that Live 8 will be a glorious failure as G8 leaders are unlikely to meet all his demands, while Bono urged European leaders in Brussels not to blow it.…
European Commission to investigate iTunes UK pricing
The European Commission is investigating whether Apple's pricing of 79p per track on UK iTunes breaches competition law, after a complaint from consumer magazine Which?.…
OFT reckon Apple pricing policy unfair
The OFT has reported Apple's iTunes to the European Commission over allegations that UK customers pay more than mainland Europeans for downloads.…
IMPALA confirm they will appeal SonyBMG merger
The Independent Music Companies Association confirms it will appeal the European Commission's approval of the Sony and BMG merger, arguing it harms competition and diversity.…
IMPALA say EC officials hindering merger opposition
Independent label body IMPALA says European Commission officials are withholding documents that would help it appeal the decision allowing the SonyBMG merger.…
Sony BMG merger gets the US go ahead
The US Federal Trade Commission has cleared the Sony BMG merger, the final regulatory step after European Commission approval last week.…