Music Owners’ Listening Rights Act of 2000
DMusic sends word regarding an important new bill that has been introduced to the House of Representatives today. This new bill, entitled the "Music Owners’ Listening Rights Act of 2000" offers amendments to Title 17, of the United States Code "with respect to personal interactive performances of recorded nondramatic musical works, and for other purposes."(as quoted directly from the bill)
If passed by congress, the bill will shield online music database collection from litigation as long as those recordings were going to be accessed by individuals that have previously purchased the music. Meaning, that services such as MP3.com’s "My.MP3.com" database of music which requires a CD check would no longer be able to become targets of the RIAA’s legal war on digital music distribution online.
The sad thing for MP3.com is that it looks as if this bill is being presented to congress a little late to really have an impact on their current legal situation. MP3.com has already shelled out millions of dollars out of court settling with four of the five major labels, and is in the final stages of punitive damages with Universal.
Virginia Representive Rich Boucher, who offered this bill to congress, voiced his opinion that this new technology, which provides a convenience to everyone, should be encouraged. While the legislation has almost zero chances of becoming law this year, as congress will adjourn Oct. 6, this is something that we all as a community should express our feelings on as loudly as possible. After all, when we purchased the music legally, why shouldn’t we be able to reap the benefits that technological advancement provides us?
Digital music enthusiast site, DMusic, strongly feels that the community should come together as much as possible to show support for this bill. Please display the ribbon in this article on your Web site to show your support for the Music Owners’ Listening Rights Act of 2000. DMusic will be working diligently in bringing you an information center on the current state of this legislation as soon as possible.
