The Copyright Board of Canada has certified a number of new tariffs (Tariffs 5.A to G) under Re:Sound’s Live Events Tariff, which apply to the use of recorded music accompanying live events such as weddings, karaoke, conventions, ice shows and fairs.

“Recorded music is a vital part of the business model for many live events and, indeed, it is impossible to imagine a fashion show, festival, parade or karaoke bar without music,” said Martin Gangnier, Re:Sound’s Director, Licensing. “Tariffs 5.A-G ensure that the recording artists and record companies who create this music are fairly compensated when their work is used at these events.” 

Re:Sound Music Licensing Company is the Canadian not-for-profit music licensing company dedicated to obtaining fair compensation for artists and record companies for their performance rights.

Tariff 5 marks the first time Re:Sound has worked with objectors – representing the impacted businesses – on the terms of an inaugural tariff before official certification. In cooperation with a number of industry associations representing the hospitality and fairs sectors, a series of tariff rates was agreed to, applying to different venues and events, and jointly presented to the Copyright Board for its approval. The result of this collaborative approach is now realized with the Copyright Board’s certification of Tariffs 5.A to G.

“It is a testament to the foresight of these business associations that we were able to agree on Tariffs that benefit a diverse set of industries,” said Gangnier. “Their members can continue to use as much music as they want at rates that work for them and our rights holders can look forward to receiving the royalties to which they are entitled.”

Re:Sound filed proposed Tariff 5 with the Copyright Board on March 30, 2007 and the proposed tariff was published in the Canada Gazette on June 2, 2007. The tariff as certified by the Copyright Board applies to the periods 2008-2012. Re:Sound will begin its outreach efforts to licensees immediately, including working with trade organizations. As mandated in the Copyright Board’s decision, full reporting in accordance with the tariff and payments by licensees, including payments for past periods are due no later than October 1, 2012.