Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act

Definition

The Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act (DPRSRA) is a U.S. copyright law that grants copyright holders of sound recordings the exclusive right to perform their works publicly by means of a digital audio transmission. This act was passed in 1995 to address the growing impact of digital music services on the music industry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The DPRSRA was passed in 1995 to grant copyright holders of sound recordings the exclusive right to perform their works publicly through digital audio transmissions.
2. Prior to the DPRSRA, sound recording copyright holders did not have a public performance right, which limited their ability to be compensated for the use of their works in digital music services.
3. The DPRSRA established a new compulsory licensing system for the use of sound recordings in certain digital audio services, such as webcasting and satellite radio.
4. The DPRSRA helped pave the way for the growth of digital music services by providing a legal framework for the use of sound recordings, while also ensuring that copyright holders were fairly compensated.
5. The DPRSRA was a significant change in copyright law, as it recognized the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of digital music distribution.

Review Questions

• Explain the key purpose and impact of the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act.
  • The primary purpose of the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act (DPRSRA) was to grant copyright holders of sound recordings the exclusive right to perform their works publicly through digital audio transmissions. Prior to the DPRSRA, sound recording copyright holders did not have this public performance right, which limited their ability to be compensated for the use of their works in emerging digital music services. The DPRSRA helped to address this issue by establishing a new compulsory licensing system for the use of sound recordings in certain digital audio services, such as webcasting and satellite radio. This change in copyright law recognized the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of digital music distribution and helped to facilitate the growth of these new digital music services while ensuring that copyright holders were fairly compensated.
• Analyze how the DPRSRA impacted the relationship between copyright holders and digital music services.
  • The DPRSRA significantly impacted the relationship between copyright holders of sound recordings and digital music services. Prior to the act, digital music services could use sound recordings without having to obtain permission or pay royalties to the copyright holders. The DPRSRA changed this by granting copyright holders the exclusive right to perform their works publicly through digital audio transmissions. This gave copyright holders more leverage in negotiating licensing agreements with digital music services, as the services now needed to obtain permission and pay royalties to use the sound recordings. The DPRSRA also established a compulsory licensing system, which provided a legal framework for the use of sound recordings in certain digital audio services, while still ensuring that copyright holders were fairly compensated. This helped to facilitate the growth of digital music services by providing a clear path for the use of sound recordings, while also protecting the rights and interests of the copyright holders.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the DPRSRA in the context of the evolving music industry and copyright landscape.
  • The Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act (DPRSRA) has had significant long-term implications for the music industry and the broader copyright landscape. By granting copyright holders of sound recordings the exclusive right to perform their works publicly through digital audio transmissions, the DPRSRA helped to establish a legal framework for the use of sound recordings in the emerging digital music landscape. This was crucial as the music industry grappled with the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of digital music distribution and consumption. The DPRSRA's compulsory licensing system also helped to facilitate the growth of digital music services, as it provided a clear path for the use of sound recordings while ensuring that copyright holders were fairly compensated. In the long term, the DPRSRA has had a lasting impact on the relationship between copyright holders and digital music services, as well as on the overall evolution of music industry business models and copyright laws. The act's recognition of the unique challenges posed by digital music distribution has continued to shape the ongoing dialogue around copyright, technology, and the future of the music industry.

Related terms

Public Performance Right: The exclusive right granted to copyright holders to perform their works publicly, such as through radio broadcasts, live concerts, or digital streaming.

Digital Audio Transmission: The delivery of audio content through digital means, such as online streaming or satellite radio, as opposed to traditional analog radio broadcasts.

Sound Recording Copyright: The copyright that protects the recorded performance of a musical work, distinct from the copyright on the underlying musical composition.