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News Releases

Music Community Calls for Swift Action To Enhance Global IP Protection As Part of Special 301 Process

February 17, 2009
WASHINGTON -- Representing diverse sectors of the music community, the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), the Recording Academy and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today issued a joint statement in response to an annual report by the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) under a section of trade law known as "Special 301." Under Special 301, USTR is required to identify countries that fail to provide adequate and effective protection for U.S. intellectual property and to take appropriate actions, including the possible imposition of trade sanctions and the loss of certain trading privileges.


This year’s report, available on the IIPA website at www.iipa.com, outlines problems in a wide variety of countries but particularly stresses continuing problems in Russia and China, and emerging issues related to digital distribution in global markets.

Said the music community:

“In these troubled economic times, it is more important than ever that the U.S. government take meaningful steps to ensure that the most competitive parts of the U.S. economy—those that contribute to positive balance of trade payments—can effectively compete in global markets without facing unfair competition. The copyright industries generally, and the music community in particular, are among America’s most competitive sectors, and our contribution to the public welfare goes well beyond our economic contributions. We convey aspects of America that entertain, that reflect our diversity, and that showcase our country’s creativity. As Friedrich Nietzsche famously said: ‘Without music, life would be a mistake.’

“Unfortunately, the piracy of America’s creative genius by certain elements in other countries—particularly Internet-driven infringements—is drawing us towards life without music. Or perhaps more accurately, life without the capacity to sustain the livelihoods of those Americans who earn a living through the creation of music. For far too long, too many illegal enterprises—and businesses—have generated ill-acquired gains from the theft of America’s creative assets.  It is time to end this sad chapter of illegality and irresponsibility. We, various voices of the music community, call upon global leaders to develop and implement policies and practices that reflect an appreciation of the value of creativity. Tolerance of organized criminal syndicates in multi-territorial enterprises engaged in the distribution of pirate product must end. Even more importantly, global leaders must ensure that their legal regimes do not permit or encourage willful blindness on the part of companies that provide access to infringing materials. ISPs in particular must be encouraged to play their part in preventing the use of their networks for the distribution of infringing materials. If legitimate companies are permitted to operate services that effect one of the greatest misappropriations ever witnessed, then there is little hope for creators to earn a living from their creations, or for America’s creative sector to continue to drive this country’s economic performance.

“Aaron Copland once remarked that: ‘To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.’ From where we sit, it appears all too conceivable, and we call upon the U.S. government to do everything in its power to address the barriers that we confront in markets around the world that are drawing us to this ‘incredible’ outcome. Today’s submission to the USTR by a group of copyright organizations under the umbrella group of the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) provides a comprehensive examination of many of the most urgent issues confronting the creative sector. Resolving these problems would be a good place to start in rebuilding the foundations for a thriving creative community, both here and around the globe.”

 

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About A2IM:

A2IM launched on July 4th, 2005 to represent the needs of the Independent music label community. Currently, the organization counts over 225 music label members and 100 associate members (companies who don’t own masters but rely upon, provide services for, or otherwise support Independent music labels).

A2IM is a not-for-profit trade organization serving the Independent music community as a unified voice representing a sector that comprises over 30% of the music industry's market share in the United States (and 37% of SoundScan digital sales). The organization represents the Independents’ interests in the marketplace, in the media, on Capitol Hill, and as part of the global music community. A2IM is headquartered in New York City. The organization’s board of directors is comprised of the following: Concord Music Group President Glen Barros; The Beggars Group CEO Lesley Bleakley; Razor & Tie Executive Vice President Dan Hoffman; Alligator Records Founder & President Bruce Iglauer; Roadrunner Records Executive Vice President Douglas Keogh; Bar/None owner Glenn Morrow; Lookout Records co-owner Molly Neuman; Tommy Boy Records Entertainment founder and CEO Tom Silverman; Amaechi Uzoigwe A2IM Board Chair and co-founder Definitive Jux. More information can be found at www.A2IM.org. 

 

About the AFM:

Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, videogames, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums.  Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape. 

 

About AFTRA:

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, are the people who entertain and inform America. In 32 Locals across the country, AFTRA members work as actors, journalists, dancers, singers, announcers, hosts, comedians, disc jockeys, and other performers across the media industries including television, radio, cable, sound recordings, music videos, commercials, audio books, non-broadcast industrials, interactive games, the Internet, and other digital media. The 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters, and recording artists of AFTRA are working together to protect and improve their jobs, lives, and communities in the 21st century. From new art forms to new technology, AFTRA members embrace change in their work and craft to enhance American culture and society. Visit AFTRA online at www.aftra.com.

 

About the NMPA:

Founded in 1917, the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) is a trade association representing American music publishers. The NMPA’s mandate is to protect and advance the interests of music publishers and their songwriter partners in matters relating to the domestic and global protection of music copyrights.

 

About The Recording Academy:

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

 

About The RIAA:

The Recording Industry Association of America is the trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. Its mission is to foster a business and legal climate that supports and promotes our members' creative and financial vitality. Its members are the record companies that comprise the most vibrant national music industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 90% of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States. In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect intellectual property rights worldwide and the First Amendment rights of artists; conducts consumer, industry and technical research; and monitors and reviews state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi-Platinum™, and Diamond sales awards, as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

 

A2IM:

Nick Baily; (718) 522- 7171; baily@shorefire.com 

Chris Chafin; (718) 522- 7171; CChafin@shorefire.com

 

AFM:

Nicole Korkolis; (212) 983-6100; korkolisn@carmengroup.com

 

AFTRA:

Chris de Haan; (323) 634-8203; cdehaan@aftra.com 

 

NMPA:

Gayle Osterberg; (202) 548-0133; gayle@133publicaffairs.com

 

RECORDING ACADEMY:

Jaime Sarachit; 310-392-3777; Jaime.Sarachit@grammy.com

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States.

In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi- Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.

Contact:
Jonathan Lamy
Cara Duckworth
Liz Kennedy
202/775-0101


RIAA Applauds Introduction of New Performance Rights Legislation

February 04, 2009
WASHINGTON -- The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), a member of the musicFIRST Coalition (www.musicfirstcoalition.org), applauded the introduction today of bipartisan, bicameral legislation requiring that FM and AM broadcasters, like their satellite and online competitors and like virtually every other industrialized nation in the world, fairly compensate musicians and labels when music is played on the radio.

The Performance Rights Act will close an archaic provision of America’s copyright law that allows AM and FM radio stations to earn $16 billion a year in advertising revenue without compensating the artists and musicians who bring music to life and listeners’ ears to the radio dial.  AM and FM radio is the only music platform that does not pay a fair performance right to artists and musicians for the use of their work. The Performance Rights Act was introduced in the Senate today by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Dianne Feinstein (D-Cal.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and Barbara Boxer (D-Cal.); and in the House by Representative John Conyers (D-Mich.), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and Representatives Howard Berman (D-Cal.), Darrell Issa (R-Cal.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jane Harman (D-Cal.), John Shadegg (R-Ariz.), Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) and Henry Waxman (D-Cal.).

The Performance Rights Act brings the United States in line with almost every other nation in the world. Only a few countries do not provide a fair performance right on radio, including Iran, North Korea and China. And because the U.S. doesn’t have a performance right, foreign stations do not have to pay American artists when their music is played on stations around the globe – an inequity that costs American artists tens of millions of dollars each year.

Upon introduction of the bill in the Senate and House of Representatives Mitch Bainwol, Chairman & CEO, RIAA commented:   

“This legislation is about fairness and a level playing field, plain and simple. The arguments for this legislation have never been more compelling, the time never more ripe, and the level of support within the music community never more strong.  Every one of the competitors of FM and AM radio pays artists and labels for the use of their music. Moreover, in these economically challenging times, we cannot ignore the millions of dollars that's left on the table when American music is played overseas.”

“The reasonable concerns of small broadcasters have been addressed in this bill.  Nonetheless, the National Association of Broadcasters continues to thumb its nose at Congress and refuse to come to the table in good faith.  We commend Chairman Conyers, Chairman Leahy, and their colleagues for their outstanding leadership on this important bill.”

For more information about the bill, please visit: www.musicfirstcoalition.org/#/media/press-releases/?press=0.

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States.

In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi- Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.

Contact:
Jonathan Lamy
Cara Duckworth
Liz Kennedy
202/775-0101


RIAA Welcomes Music Industry Veteran To RIAA Litigation and Legal Affairs Department

February 02, 2009
WASHINGTON -- The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today announced the hiring of Jennifer Pariser as the Senior Vice President of Litigation and Legal Affairs for the organization.

Pariser comes to the RIAA with more than two decades of legal experience and expertise in intellectual property law.  Most recently Pariser worked as Senior Vice President & Associate General Counsel, Litigation and Anti-Piracy at SONY BMG an RIAA member company.  There Jenny oversaw the company's response to all legal matters, including serving as the primary liaison between SONY BMG and the RIAA on litigation matters.  Prior to her tenure at SONY BMG (now SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT), Pariser was an associate with firms Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler and Debevoise & Plimpton in New York and also served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Charles Tenney in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

“We are thrilled to have Jenny join our team,” said Steven M. Marks, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, RIAA.  “Jenny’s extensive legal experience, knowledge of music industry issues, and expertise in intellectual property matters are first rate.  She will be a tremendous asset to our mission of protecting the rights of record labels and artists and helping foster a vibrant legal marketplace.”

In her new position, Pariser will oversee all RIAA litigation matters and provide counsel on a variety of other issues.  Pariser reports to Marks and replaces Ken Doroshow, who recently left the RIAA to serve as General Counsel of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).

“I look forward to continuing the excellent work of the RIAA in protecting the rights of its member companies from all forms of piracy,” said Pariser.  “While challenging, this work is essential to the economic viability of the music industry.”

Pariser is a member of the Copyright Society of the USA and has lectured extensively at the American Bar Association (ABA) and N.Y. State Intellectual Property Sections and various law schools.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and a Juris Doctor from the New York University School of Law.

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States.

In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi- Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.

Contact:
Jonathan Lamy
Cara Duckworth
Liz Kennedy
202/775-0101