Interesting point. Thanks. Obladee.
(UK) Musicians urge copyright change (now that the British Invasion may go public domain) (BBC News Wednesday, 26 November 2008 no byline)
A video message on behalf of 38,000 UK musicians has been sent... many of whom have worked with major artists, say they risk losing their income under current laws.Performers' copyright runs out after 50 years but for composers and authors it extends for 70 years after their death.
The European Commission is backing an extension to 95 years from release, but the UK government is not supportive.
Under current copyright laws, royalties will soon dry up for session musicians who played on classic tracks released in the 1960s, campaigners say...
But the Open Rights Group, a lobbying organisation which specialises in digital rights issues, says performers are "misguided" if they believe a copyright term extension will significantly increase their incomes.
"The European Commission's own figures demonstrate that term extension is likely to benefit ordinary performers as little as 50 cents (33p) a year," says executive director Becky Hogge.
"If Europe passes the directive to extend the term, the vast majority of financial gains - which will come direct from consumers' pockets - will go to the world's four major record labels and a handful of very famous performers."