An album of rarities by the Beatles is to be released in a bid to extend the term of copyright protection for the songs.
The compilation will feature 59 songs from the band, a spokesperson from Apple confirmed to the BBC.
According to reports, Apple is believed to be releasing the songs, which includes demos, outtakes and live recordings, to prevent their copyright expiring as a result of a recent change to EU copyright law.
Previously, copyright protection would last for 50 years after the release of a song. This was increased to 70 years but only applies if the music is released. If not, then the length of a protection term remains at 50 years.
While the Beatles’ debut album Please Please Me is copyright protected until 2033, the unreleased session tapes are not. In theory this music is in the public domain and potentially could be released by another record label.
Previously, Sony Music released a collection of 86 unreleased Bob Dylan tracks in a bid to extend its copyright protection term.
This digital Beatles release is expected to be available from iTunes from today (17 December).
The compilation will feature 59 songs from the band, a spokesperson from Apple confirmed to the BBC.
According to reports, Apple is believed to be releasing the songs, which includes demos, outtakes and live recordings, to prevent their copyright expiring as a result of a recent change to EU copyright law.
Previously, copyright protection would last for 50 years after the release of a song. This was increased to 70 years but only applies if the music is released. If not, then the length of a protection term remains at 50 years.
While the Beatles’ debut album Please Please Me is copyright protected until 2033, the unreleased session tapes are not. In theory this music is in the public domain and potentially could be released by another record label.
Previously, Sony Music released a collection of 86 unreleased Bob Dylan tracks in a bid to extend its copyright protection term.
This digital Beatles release is expected to be available from iTunes from today (17 December).
