UK Music has welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement agreed in principle between the UK and New Zealand which includes commitments to vital new copyright protections for musicians, performers and music companies.
As the collective voice of the UK’s music industry, UK Music has made a number of representations to the UK Government, through its Trade Advisory Group and other channels, on the measures needed so the music industry can benefit from any deal with New Zealand.
The new Agreement in Principle includes, in line with UK Music’s representations, an important commitment from New Zealand to extend copyright term by 20 years for authors, performers and producers (which will be implemented within 15 years of entry into force of the FTA).
UK Music also welcomes the commitments to adopt or maintain a public performance right for performers to cover communication to the public of phonograms.
Copyright term extension means musicians and music companies will be able to receive the royalties they deserve for longer. Music released towards the end of the last century onwards will benefit from term extension in New Zealand when this provision comes into force.
The UK and New Zealand governments will now work to finalise the legal text of their Free Trade Agreement ahead of domestic approval and completion.
“The trade deal with the UK and New Zealand is excellent news for the music industries in both countries,” said UK Music chief executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin.
“It demonstrates what can be achieved for music as we forge our new international role and will ensure a greater level of protection for the rights of musicians and performers in particular in this important market.