The culture secretary, Andy Burnham, has signalled a possible extension to the copyright term in sound recordings to 70 years. Mr Burnham announced at the UK Music Creators Conference that, after discussions with the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) Secretary of State John Denham, it has been decided 70 years to be a fairer length of term. The current term is 50 years.
The thinking behind the change is to ensure more benefits go to the performers. The music industry has campaigned for such an extension for years and welcomes the plans. The Government has come under increasing pressure this year to change its position on the term following proposals from EC Internal Markets commissioner Charlie McCreevy in February to increase the term of protection to 95 years. Mr McCreevy's proposals, which have the support of several European countries including France, are currently working their way through the EC Parliament and Council.