The court’s ruling means that the government will have to reconsiders its position on the decision to introduce a private copying exception into UK copyright law.
The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA), Musicians’ Union (MU) and UK Music had initially welcomed the change to UK law which came into effect in October 2014 and enabled consumers to copy their legally-acquired music for personal and private use.
However, they alerted government to the fact that ‘significant harm’ would be caused to rightsholders and that European law requires fair compensation to be paid.
Last November, BASCA, MU and UK Music – backed by PRS for Music and PPL – launched a legal challenge against provision.
The High Court’s ruling now means that government will have to reconsider its position, but BASCA, MU and UK Music said they remain open to meaningful talks to resolve the issue.
Jo Dipple, chief executive of UK Music, said: ‘The High Court agreed with us that Government acted unlawfully. It is vitally important that fairness for songwriters, composers and performers is written into the law.
‘My members’ music defines this country. It is only right that government gives us the standard of legislation our music deserves. We want to work with government so this can be achieved.’
The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA), Musicians’ Union (MU) and UK Music had initially welcomed the change to UK law which came into effect in October 2014 and enabled consumers to copy their legally-acquired music for personal and private use.
However, they alerted government to the fact that ‘significant harm’ would be caused to rightsholders and that European law requires fair compensation to be paid.
Last November, BASCA, MU and UK Music – backed by PRS for Music and PPL – launched a legal challenge against provision.
The High Court’s ruling now means that government will have to reconsider its position, but BASCA, MU and UK Music said they remain open to meaningful talks to resolve the issue.
Jo Dipple, chief executive of UK Music, said: ‘The High Court agreed with us that Government acted unlawfully. It is vitally important that fairness for songwriters, composers and performers is written into the law.
‘My members’ music defines this country. It is only right that government gives us the standard of legislation our music deserves. We want to work with government so this can be achieved.’
