Previously Unreleased Beatles Tracks Released to Extend Copyright Term

By Scott Harrison on Friday 20th December 2013.

Under EU law, copyright in a sound recording lasts for 50 years from the end of the year in which it was made, unless the sound recording was published during that time. If so, copyright lasts from 70 years from the end of the year of publication. Digital Spy reports that Apple Records and Universal Music temporarily released some previously unreleased tracks by The Beatles on iTunes on 17th December 2013, before taking them down soon afterwards. The tracks were said to have been recorded in 1963, meaning that unless they had been published, the copyright term would have ended at the end of this year. Releasing the tracks this year extends the copyright term until the end of 2083.

Swindell & Pearson has been helping businesses and individuals protect and defend their ideas, innovations and brands for over 130 years. With its head office in Derby, the firm also has offices in Stoke, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Sheffield and Burton. To find out how Swindell & Pearson can help you with any intellectual property requirements please get in touch via [email protected] or by telephone on 01332 367 051.