Another MEP responds on copyright term extension

I've had another response, to join the earlier ones, to my note to MEPs about the music copyright term extension approved by the EU parliament. This time from the Green Party's Keith Taylor, who opposes such an extension.

"Dear Ray,

Thank you for your email expressing your concern about the possible passing of the directive to extend the term of copyright protection for sound recordings from 50 to 70 years.

I share your concern on this matter, and have already signed the request for a renewed referral tabled by MEP Christian Engstrom to give the European Parliament a chance to reconsider its decision from April 2009 to extend the copyright term for musical recordings from 50 to 70 years. You can find further details of those who have signed up to this request here:  http://christianengstrom.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/names-of-the-40-meps-supporting-review-of-the-copyright-term-extension/ . Green MEPs actively oppose the proposed extension of the copyright term.

The final vote was 317 MEPs in favour of extending the copyright term with 178 against. There is, however support against the extension of the term, with four out of the seven main groups voting to reject the proposal to extend the term.

The proposal now moves forward to the Council of Ministers (made up of Member State Governments) where it is currently blocked by certain Member States (We understand the blocking minority is currently made up of Slovenia, Portugal, Austria, Netherlands, Sweden, Slovakia, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Romania).

Furthermore, the widespread condemnation in the press, among stakeholders, and in the European Parliament demonstrates that the public is against extending the copyright term. This shows the strong feelings that Europe should create a balanced and fair copyright if it wants a system fit for purpose in the 21st century. Please be assured that I will continue to do all I can to work for a fair copyright system and to oppose the extension of the copyright term.

Many thanks again for raising this crucial issue with me and let me know if you have any further questions. For more information on my work in the European Parliament please do have a look at my website: http://www.keithtaylormep.org.uk/ .

Best wishes,

Keith Taylor

Office of Keith Taylor, Green MEP for SE England"