Copyright & Media Update 3/15/2019

March 15, 2019

IMPALA, AIM and PRS for Music Join Over 250 Other Trade Bodies Urging Passage of Copyright Directive

BILLBOARD: A total of 256 organizations and trade bodies representing authors, composers, performers, writers, and others across multiple cultural and creative sectors have signed a letter urging the European Parliament to adopt the copyright directive in the digital single market. READ MORE…

The Music Modernization Act: A Songwriter’s Guide to What Matters Next

BILLBOARD: The Music Modernization Act passed last October with much fanfare and excitement. But now, after the party, we are all looking at what that means, exactly. Here are a few areas to keep in mind as we move forward. READ MORE…

Spotify Accuses Apple of Stifling Competition in EU Complaint

WALL STREET JOURNAL: Music-streaming service Spotify Technology SA has filed an antitrust complaint in Europe against Apple Inc., a new salvo in the broader battle over whether and how to rein in global tech giants. Spotify’s complaint, filed late Monday to the European Union’s antitrust arm, alleges that Apple in recent years has abused its control over which apps appear in its App Store with the aim of limiting competition with its streaming service Apple Music. READ MORE…

Copyright Office Institutes New Group Registration Procedure for Unpublished Works

COPYRIGHT.GOV: Starting on March 15, the Copyright Office is instituting a new group registration procedure for unpublished works. The Group Registration for Unpublished Works (GRUW) will replace the Unpublished Collections registration procedure. Applicants may no longer submit claims for unpublished collections on the Standard Application or a paper application. Beginning on March 15, 2019, applicants must use the new GRUW Online Application and must submit electronic deposits for each of the works included in the claim. READ MORE…

Spotify, Amazon, Google, Pandora Face Extreme Backlash Over Songwriter Royalties — But Do They Care?

DIGITAL MUSIC NEWS: Spotify has filed an appeal to avoid paying a significant royalty increase to songwriters.  Amazon, Google/Alphabet, and Pandora have done the same. Now, the songwriter community is reacting with a deafening protest. Early last month, the US Copyright Board (CRB) officially ruled in favor of a 44% increase on streaming music royalties for songwriters and publishers. READ MORE…

Annual Digital Audio Survey Bears Good News For YouTube, Amazon, Spotify And Podcasting

FORBES: Edison Research and Triton Digital’s annual Infinite Dial study came out this week. This year’s study shows that YouTube still rules the digital music market, Amazon’s strategy of digital audio through Alexa-powered smart speakers is continuing to pay off, and podcasting continues to gain in popularity. READ MORE…

Facing Major Blowback from the Artist Community, Japan Scraps Its Controversial Anti-Piracy Bill

DIGITAL MUSIC NEWS: Japan wanted more restrictions on piracy.  The local creative content community unequivocally said, “No.” Last month, the Japanese government took a harsh stance against piracy. A government panel had reportedly adopted a new policy.  The proposed bill would expand the country’s illegal downloading measures to cover all copyrighted content. READ MORE…

‘Fortnite’ Legal Dance Battles Paused Following Supreme Court Ruling

HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: ‘Fresh Prince’ star Alfonso Ribeiro, rapper 2 Milly and internet sensations Backpack Kid and Orange Shirt Kid have dropped their claims against Epic Games over its use of their dance moves in the game, but it’s only temporary. READ MORE…

About Christian Copyright Solutions: CCS’s quest is to help churches and Christian ministries “do music right.”  CCS is an expert on church music copyrights and our primary focus is providing licensing and clear educational resources to churches. Follow us onTwitter, Facebook, Instagram, andYoutube. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel.

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