German Views on Copyright Laws

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 34, 1 March 1935, Page 22

German Views on Copyright Laws

MOVEMENT has been initiated in Germany to. establish the principle that the copyright in music or other artistic works shall be jin perpetuity. At present the law throughout’ the world vests copyright in the owner for a limited period-usually for the life of the author and 50 years after. The new proposal was made by Dr. Richard Strauss, president of the Association of German Composers, in an address at Leipzig to music publishers. his desire being not alone to retain ownership to the originators of music but to preserve intact musical works as the great masters left them. It is proposed also that copyright should be "complete." the word meaning the withdrawal or the confininy Within much narrower limits of the license of quotation. It was decided by a judge on one occasion that 28 bars quoted out of thirty-two was, in certain circumstances. permissible, although this decision was reversed upon appeal. Among composers, authors and publishers Dr, Strauss’s proposal ‘is being keenly discussed. One publisher fears that it might become possible for television and sound film magnates to buy up all the classics, by whomsoever held. and then do their worst with the whole or any part of them. Albert Ketelbey, the eminent Bnglish composer, does not think copyright in perpetuity would be remedy for mutilition of the classics. In his judgment lengthening the period of © copyright would not be of much benefit to those who really deserve the benefit. Rather, he considers, the composer’s rights should be strengthened while he is live. Mr. Arthur F, Tate, another notable in musical circles..agrees with the idea. of perpetuity, and suggests international action to establish the principle for all time. The question of perpetuity has not been considered seriously in Wnglishspeaking countries, but it is of interest to note the developments which are taking place in other enlightened communities. ; .