Domingo sings praises of 20-year extension to copyright protection

OPERA star Placido Domingo has welcomed an extension of copyright protection across Europe as “great news for performing artists”.

The singer, who is chairman of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, was speaking after EU governments endorsed plans to increase the copyright limit from 50 to 70 years.

The European Commission originally pressed for a virtual doubling of copyright protection to give musicians and performers copyright safeguards for 95 years.

Yesterday’s compromise brings Europe’s artists more in line with the copyright protection offered to authors and composers, who are covered for 70 years beyond their deaths.

But any extension was originally opposed by the then UK chancellor Gordon Brown, who rejected the case as “weak” after ordering a review of copyright rules.

That response was attacked at the time by major recording stars including Roger Daltrey and Sir Cliff Richard, who said they were speaking for thousands of artists who provided entertainment but did not earn fortunes which could see them into old age.

Domingo said: “The decision to extend the term of protection for recordings in Europe is great news for performing artists.

“Established artists can benefit from their work throughout their lifetimes. This is especially important today when licensed digital services make music widely available online.”