Call to reduce music charges to retail sector
PPI representatives recently appeared in the Commercial Court in a bid not to have to charge less to retailers from January 2012 onwards
Print12 September 2011
The owners of the copyright to music are represented by Phonographic Performance Ireland (PPI). PPI were recently in the Commercial Court requesting the judge to prevent the Controller of Patents from forcing PPI to charge less from January 2012.
A convenience store in the southeast had reason to dispute the demands for payment that were being made to the shop by PPI, dating back a number of years. The shop appealed (as is their right) to the Controller on various grounds against the demands.
The Controller, having reviewed the matter, determined that the charge being levied against the shop was too high and ordered PPI to reduce the fee. In a separate action, the Controller advised PPI that the fees charged to the retail sector should be reduced from January 2012. PPI are claiming that this reduction would cost them in excess of €1m, and state that the Controller is exceeding his power by making his ruling applicable to stores that were not complainants. The CSNA has given many of its members detailed advice on the appeals procedure that is included in the Copyright Act. The CSNA welcomes the actions of the Controller and awaits with interest the outcome of the case.
A number of years ago, in response to complaints brought by the association to the Data Controller, PPI were forced to admit that they had “shared” their intelligence with the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) which represents composers and music publishers.
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