More copyright chaos

According to the BBC News website, a report is being published today urging the government not to succumb to pressure from the music industry to extend copyright in music.

In part, some of the recommended changes are to protect the consumer's right to copy music that they have already purchased for use on their computer, mp3 player, etc, but clearly there is a feeling that the laws are out of date, and the music biz wants copyright terms extended, rather than reduced or staying the same.

The copyright currently stands at 50 years in the UK. Now, you can call me cynical if you like, but do you think it's any coincidence that we are fast approaching 50 years from the time of landmark recordings being made? Additionally, some copyright terms expire 50 years after an artist's death (in the US, for example), meaning we are fast approaching the end of copyright on some of rock 'n' roll's early casualties, such as Buddy Holly. Heaven forbid that the music industry should start losing some of their cash cows.

Indeed, in the case of Buddy Holly, it will be Paul McCartney who stands to gain from an extension in terms, since he owns Holly's catalogue of songs. Yeah, he really needs the money, doesn't he?! This is as good a reason as any NOT to extend the length of copyright: the last thing we want is money from Buddy Holly's music going to Macca's bullshitting one-legged ex-wife.