A new blockchain-based technology created by the company NKOR will support intellectual property rights, allowing creators to register and protect their content. The company is working to create a new standard for verification and the distribution of digital data by authenticating the data and time-stamping the process.
Source: Digital News Daily: NKOR Creates Blockchain For Copyright Infringement, Content Creators
If you’re actively trading cryptocurrencies, you’ve probably heard of Viberate. The company aims to build a live music ecosystem based entirely on crypto.
Source: Viberate Is Building a Music Marketplace Based Entirely on Cryptocurrency
Rick Carnes, president of the Songwriters Guild of America, expresses his organization’s serious concerns with much of the Music Modernization Act of 2017, which seeks to reform music licensing, although not in ways which the SGA believes will benefit songwriters.
Source: Songwriter’s Guild Sounds Alarm Over “Serious Problems” In Music Modernization Act 2017
The bill reforms Section 115 of the U.S. Copyright Act to create a single licensing entity that administers the mechanical reproduction rights for all digital uses of musical compositions, such those used in interactive streaming models offered by Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Pandora, Google and others.
Source: Lawmakers Introduce Music Modernization Act, Which Simplifies Digital Licensing and Increases Rates
According to a press release: ‘The partnership will facilitate deeper engagement between artists and fans, empowering users to express themselves through music, share the songs they love and build communities around music-fueled culture.
Source: Facebook signs global licensing deal with Universal Music Group
On Wednesday (Dec. 20), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) is expected to face Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) in a Democratic Caucus vote to determine who will become the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, with substantial power to shape copyright law.
Source: How This Week’s House Judiciary Committee Vote Could Have Big Consequences For the Music Business
Facebook is increasingly seeking to buy publishers’ shows outright for its Watch video tab, which would limit the money publishers could make from the platform.
Source: Facebook is changing licensing terms for Watch shows, creating a dilemma for publishers – Digiday
Music streamer Mixcloud has partnered with Nielsen’s Gracenote for advanced music recognition using Gracenote MusicID to more accurately identify copyrighted audio content and ensure proper royalty payments to rights holders.
Source: Mixcloud Partners With Nielsen’s Gracenote To ID Music In Tracks, Mixes
Universal Music Group has reached a global, multi-year agreement with YouTube, the companies announced on Tuesday, giving the video platform licenses from all three major record companies before the holidays.
BMI scores a legal win over the Justice Department. “This is a massive victory for songwriters, composers, music publishers and the entire industry,” says BMI President Mike O’Neill. “We have said from the very beginning that BMI’s consent decree allowed for fractional licensing, and we are incredibly gratified that Judge Stanton and the Second Circuit agreed with our position.
Source: Appeals Court Upholds Decision Allowing Fractional Licensing of Songs