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The thousands of performers (in this case musicians and singers) who in the next decade are about to lose the copyright protection afforded to them by law has exposed lacunae within the current legal framework. An increase in life expectancy levels and varying laws in different Member States for musical compositions and co-written works shall result in losses of income from contractual royalties and statutory remuneration for individuals who could be facing their more vulnerable period in life.
The European Commission has earlier this year proposed an amending Directive that would extend the term of protection for performers and phonogram producers from 50 to 95 years. Other proposed legislative measures include the setting up of a fund for session musicians.
In view of these changes, MEUSAC and the Commerce Division (Ministry for Finance, the Economy and Investment) organised a consultation session for stakeholders. The session was held on 19th December 2008 at the Trade Winds Hall, Malta Enterprise, San Gwann.
This meeting also offered stakeholders the opportunity to establish a direct channel with the Commerce Division, being the competent authority in this field, and the possibility of discussing developments taking place as well as possibly look into any eventual implementation, if this becomes the case.
The discussion was of particular interest to all operators in this sector:
The main speakers were Ms Michelle Bonello, Director Industrial Property Registrations and Mr Godwin Warr. Director General Commerce and Comptroller of Industrial Property.