Ceta signing “positive news” for global music biz

The European Parliament’s approval of Ceta, a free-trade agreement between Canada and the European Union (EU) that contains several provisions for strengthening intellectual property rights, has been described as “positive news” for the international music industry.

If enacted, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will eliminate 98% of tariffs between Canada and the 28 member states of the EU.

In addition to liberalising trade between the 29 countries, Ceta includes a commitment by both signatories to ensure performers and composers are remunerated fairly for the reproduction of their copyrights, either in live performance or broadcast. (In section 20.8, the EU and Canada agree to “provide performers the exclusive right to authorise or prohibit the […] communication to the public of their performances” and ensure that “a single equitable remuneration is paid by the user if a phonogram […] is used for broadcasting by wireless means or for any communication to the public, and shall ensure that this remuneration is shared between the relevant performers and phonogram producers”.)

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which represents labels in 60 countries, says the agreement will ensure music is “protected to a high standard when used online, in broadcasting or in public performance”.

“Ceta includes commitments by the EU and Canada to grant comprehensive protection to music when used in broadcasting and public performance”

“The European Parliament’s approval of Ceta is positive news for the music industry,” comments IFPI’s chief executive, Frances Moore. “Together, the EU and Canada account for around 35% of the global music market; as such, the standards of copyright protection for music in these two territories are extremely important to our global industry.

“Ceta includes commitments by the EU and Canada to […] grant comprehensive protection to recorded music when used in broadcasting and public performance. These rights are essential to the wellbeing of the music sector in both markets, and we look forward to working with their respective governments to ensure that these standards of protection are implemented in the best possible way.”

Ceta must now be ratified by the Canadian parliament, in which prime minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party has a majority. A press release from the office of Trudeau speaks positively of his recent visit to Europe, saying the PM “welcomed the European Parliament’s vote to approve Ceta” and spoke of his belief the agreement will “create good, well-paying jobs, bolster our shared prosperity and help grow the middle class.‎”

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