UK label association BPI has reached an agreement with ISPs on measures designed to reduce unauthorized file sharing.  But while stricter legislation may follow, so far, the deal lacks the teeth that some had hoped for.

The European Union's highest court has thrown out a lower court ruling that annulled the European Commission's approval of a merger between Sony and BMG. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) also ordered that the lower court, the Court of First Instance, reconsider its decision in order to review three of five pleas it had not dealt with previously.

 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully prosecuted Musica for dealing in counterfeit goods. However, it was found not guilty of intent to sell counterfeit goods.

South African singer Karma Ann Swanepoel (Henry Ate, Karma) and her publishing company Urband & Lazar Music Publishing Inc,  have instituted proceedings in a Louisiana court against best-selling rapper Lil Wayne for copyright infringement.

 

CASA (The Composers Association of South Africa) will be holding its 2008 Annual General Meeting at 10:00 on Wednesday 16 July at SAMRO House, Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

 

We are constantly updating the AIRCO website with pertinent News for Independents from South Africa and around the world. For your convenience, if you're using Microsoft Outlook 2007 you can now receive AIRCO News updates as they happen, without leaving Outlook!

 

RISA have released an encouraging Anti-Piracy Bulletin for June 2008. Their anti-piracy website www.stoppiracy.org.za is regularly updated and contains more detail on the industry’s fight against Piracy while providing a platform for the reporting of activity relating to Music Piracy. Download the Bulletin HERE.

The 3rd annual South African Traditional Music Awards, with 2008 Theme of Unity Through Music, Languages and Cultures, is seeking Nominations.