Germany's GEMA Reaches Licensing Agreement With YouTube

Deal

German music publishing rights agency GEMA has inked a licensing agreement with YOUTUBE, retroactive to 2009.  The deal covers royalties for 70,000 music authors and publishers represented by GEMA and ends years of battling between the agency and YOUTUBE over payment for music streamed on the video service.  The agreement, which also covers the YOUTUBE RED subscription service, will also end YOUTUBE's practice of placing "blocked content" notices before GEMA-protected content.  The parties, however, remain apart in the debate over whether YOUTUBE or content uploaders should be responsible for obtaining music licenses.

GEMA CEO Dr. HARALD HEKER said, "After seven years of tough negotiations the conclusion of this contract with YOUTUBE marks a milestone for GEMA and its members. We remained true to our position that authors should also get a fair remuneration in the digital age, despite the resistance we met. It is crucial that the licensing agreement that we have now signed covers both the future and the past. By reaching this agreement, we can secure the royalties for our members."

GEMA Dir./Broadcast and Online THOMAS THEUNE said, "The conclusion of this contract with YOUTUBE is a clear signal to all online platforms that successfully build their business models on the musical works of creatives. Authors must be fairly remunerated for the exploitation of their musical works. GEMA will continue to actively pursue this goal."

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