NZ record labels welcome copyright review

Thursday 16th July, 2009

NZ Independent record labels welcome copyright review process

Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ), the trade association for New Zealand-owned independent record labels, welcomes the Section 92a proposal recently released, and the opportunity to participate and comment. We believe that a fair and robust process for copyright holders, ISPs and subscribers to effectively protect copyrights is the key goal.

IMNZ supports the graduated response proposed within the document and the empowerment of the copyright tribunal to settle disputes in worst case scenarios. We believe that the process should be simple, transparent and time-efficient.

“Internet piracy affects all copyright holders including the home-grown variety. Without adequate protection for copyright holders we will be unable to move forward with new, innovative and legal online business models,” says Damian Vaughan, IMNZ Business Development Manager.

"As a small New Zealand-owned independent record label I have invested ten years, hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless unpaid or underpaid hours into local artists and the music industry. However, in the last couple of years - despite increasing profile for the artists - our album sales have approximately halved and legal digital sales are small. I believe illegal file sharing is a significant factor in this decline. In real terms this means less investment by my label into local artists, the local music industry and less royalties paid to artists," says Ben Howe, Arch Hill Recordings director and IMNZ Board member.

IMNZ represents over 80 independent NZ record labels and distributors, and the majority of all independent NZ artists.

ENDS

© Scoop Media