Music Performers To Get Extension Of Copyright Period

The European Union has announced proposals to extend the copyright period for music performers from 50 to 95 years.

Artists such as Cliff Richard and Roger Daltery have been campaigning for the extension but in the past have continually met resistance from the British Government.

Currently the copyright for a piece of music, and the royalties earnt from it,  is split into two defined areas.

Publishing rights are normally owned by the writer or a record label while the performance rights usually go to a singer, band, musicians or technicians.

The EU’s internal market commissioner Charlie McCreevy said that "copyright protection for Europe's performers represents a moral right to control the use of their work and earn a living from their performances".

He added: "It is the performer who gives life to the composition and while most of us have no idea who wrote our favourite song, we can usually name the performer."

The European Union says that under the new laws less well known musicians and technicians will benefit as well as big name artists.