CLA's Title Search Beta Tool

Today I learnt that the Copyright Licensing Agency has launched a Title Search Beta Tool on its website, so you can more easily check to see what is covered by your licence:

http://www.cla.co.uk/licences/titlesearch

Send your feedback on the beta tool to PR@cla.co.uk

"Cliff's Law" - Copyright of Music Recordings Extended to 70 Years

Today I learnt about "Cliff's Law".

The EU has today adopted a directive to extend the copyright on music recordings from 50 to 70 years after the death of the performer. The legislation is nicknamed "Cliff's Law" after Cliff Richard, who campaigned hard for the extension. The Directive is expected to be implemented by Member States in 2014. According to the Guardian website, 8 EU Member States voted against the legislation, namely Belgium, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden.

Article from the Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/sep/12/musicians-copyright-extension?INTCMP=SRCH

Link to the Directive on the European Commission website:
http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/copyright/term-protection/term-protection_en.htm