First For Music News

NME News

Apple wins iTunes copyright case

Apple's new 5th Generation iPod

Apple's new 5th Generation iPod

Online music store won't be shut down

Apple has won its dispute with the National Music Publishers Association over an application to raise royalty fees for songs purchased from online music stores such as iTunes.

As NME.COM previously reported, the association asked the US Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) to increase iTunes royalty rates paid by artists by 66 per cent, from 9 cents to 15 cents per track.

At a ruling in Washington yesterday (October 2) the CRB declined the request.

An application made by Apple to decrease the rate to 4.8 cents per song was also refused, although the board did agree to freeze the rate at 9.1 cents for the next five years, reports BBC News.

Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr said the company was happy with the outcome.

"We're pleased with the CRB's decision to keep royalty rates stable," he said.

Comments (1)

Add a comment

le jojo 

Oct 3, 2008

Greedy B*stards. As if they don't have enough money as it is and a monopoly on the digital music market. Judge must of got a hefty bribe for that result. Grr

Add your comment

 
 
Please sign in

Forgot your password?

Register with MyNME

Every Tuesday and Friday

  • Up-to-the-minute news stories
  • The best new music and free downloads
  • Video interviews, photo galleries, competitions and more
  • Album and track reviews for the week ahead
  • Essential gigs in your area