November 11, 2019

BPI says that it is “essential” that the UK’s copyright regime “remains stable and the framework is not re-opened in the event of the UK leaving the European Union”. BPI calls on the next Government to “bring forward measures to resolve the value gap in the UK” and “ensure that the UK regime is an environment that will encourage investment in new recordings”.

BPI wants the next Government to ensure that the Online Harms White Paper will “lead to measures in a regulatory regime where rights owners, platforms, search engines and online marketplaces work closely together to reduce the economic harm caused by illegal content”. It also wants steps taken to reduce the costs and time taken blocking illegal websites through administrative measures.

If any trade agreements follow as a result of the future arrangements between the UK and the EU, it is “essential”, BPI says, that trade deals maintain a strong copyright regime. In particular, BPI says that it is “critical to resist “fair use” rules such as those found in the USA”.

BPI would also like commitments to reciprocal arrangements on EU visa free travel to ensure that musicians can work, tour and collaborate across the EU.

In addition, BPI says that its music labels need to be able to import and export physical product to and from the EU without hold ups or additional costs. As for developing markets, BPI says that a music export strategy would ensure the UK takes full advantage of rapid growth in these countries.

Extending the successful creative production tax credits to recorded music would boost domestic investment, bring inward investment from artists recording in the UK and boost the country’s studio and electronics businesses, BPI says. “The UK must be internationally competitive as a place to invest and record”. To read BPI’s announcement in full, click here.