Copyright law changed from 50 to 70 years protection

ON 12th September 2011, the Council of the European Union agreed to extend the copyright term for performers and record companies from 50 to 70 years from release of the recording. This change came about after nearly 10 years of campaigning by record companies, individual performers and record companies to get a better deal for those involved in the music industry. Members lobbied MPs and presented signed copyright petitions to Parliament here in the UK and in Brussels.

The copyright extension was welcomed by British music industry bodies including PPL, BPI, The Musician's Union and AIM. The Directive is expected to be implemented across all EU Member States by 2013, extending the term of protection from where it now stands from 50 to 70 years for performers and producers of recorded music. The changes have been nicknamed Cliff's Law after Sir Cliff Richard voiced his concerns about the way his music could be used within his lifetime when he still have plenty of life in his career. Other acts that shared his concerns are Paul McCartney and Tom Jones.