Sound recording copyright term to be extended to 70 years in New Zealand

The copyright term on the sound recording is being extended for another 20 years in New Zealand.

The country’s current copyright protection is valid for 50 years from the date of issue. Soon it will be 70 years.

Changes were included in a free one Trade Agreements between the European Union and New Zealand was announced on June 29.

The agreement is currently being drafted, but it is expected to be ratified within two years, report the Financial Times.

Under the trade agreement, New Zealand will renew the copyright “within four years from the date of entry into force of the Agreement”.

The EU has extended the copyright term for sound recordings to 70 years, from 50 years back in 2011.

The implementation of that directive led to a prolonged music industry campaign led by artists like Paul McCartney and Cliff Richard.

In terms of music rights, the newly announced deal puts New Zealand more in sync with several other global music markets.

In the UK, for example, a recording also protected for 70 years after release.

Meanwhile, in Australia, the recording copyright lasting for 70 years year after the first commercial release. \

In the United States, copyright protection provisions for sound recordings is 95 years.

“This long overdue change will help preserve and protect iconic recordings from Aotearoa, and support the New Zealand artists who created them.”

Jo Oliver, Recorded Music NZ

The renewal of copyright in New Zealand has been welcomed by the country’s record industry.

In a statement, Jo Oliver, CEO of the country’s music trade body, Recorded Music NZ, represents the business of recorded music in Aotearoa (New Zealand’s Maori name). , said: “Copyright allows artists to earn a living from their work and is fundamental to the sustainability and future growth of the music industry in Aotearoa.

“The extension of the copyright term to 70 years from the date of release puts New Zealand artists and rights holders on a level playing field with their foreign counterparts.

“This long overdue change will help preserve and protect iconic recordings from Aotearoa, and support the New Zealand artists who created them.”

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