APRA|AMCOS To License Universal Music Publishing Digital Rights Throughout Asia

Universal Music Publishing have called upon APRA|AMCOS to license their digital rights almost completely throughout Asia, it has been announced today. All countries in the Asian region are covered in this non-exclsuive agreement, with the exception of Japan.

This is a unique arrangement for the Asia Pacific region, but one that both parties believe will be important given the rapid expansion of the Asian market. Universal Music Publishing are a big part of a similar agreement throughout Europe, with France's Société des auteurs, compositeurs et éditeurs de musique (SACEM) taking care of licensing royalties across that continent.

“Universal is proud to be the first music publisher to enter into a multi territory licensing and administration arrangement for the Asia Pacific region and I am really excited by the potential of this groundbreaking initiative” UMP Executive VP Asia Pacific and Industry Affairs, Andrew Jenkins said in a statement issued this morning.

“We chose APRA|AMCOS as our trusted partner in this rapidly expanding and incredibly important market because we want our writers to be paid fast, fairly and efficiently for the use of their works. I hope other societies and publishers join us in this initiative to make licensing and administration simpler, faster and more effective for the benefit of songwriters, digital retailers and consumers”.

According to APRA|AMCOS CEO Brett Cottle, there has been demand from digital music providers for a cohesive plan regarding the collection of digital licensing revenue.

“Consumers in this part of the world want and need the widest possible access on safe, legal platforms to the world's repertoire of music” he said.

“This agreement is an important step in that direction and comes in direct response to pleas from digital service providers.”