Copyright issues in internet music

Abstract

The article is an introduction to copyright issues for online and mobile music services from the perspective of the MCPS-PRS Alliance, the British music rights organisation that represents the interests of songwriters, composers and music publishers. The article explores the role that music rights societies play in the collection and paying out of music royalties and how new methods of distribution may impact their work. It focuses on a few key areas: convergence of devices and delivery methods, enabling consumers to listen to what they want, when they want, wherever they are; the impact of the Internet on the international music licensing framework; the explosion in the music repertoire available; and the transition from illegal to legal online music services.

Keywords:

• Copyright
• Music Copyright
• Performing Right
• PRS
• MCPS