Copying CDs onto computers to be made legal

Copying CDs onto iPods will be made legal in the next few weeks according to early indications from the government's review of intellectual property rights.

The UK's current copyright laws mean copying CDs onto computers is illegal.

The review will focus on formalising the situation by bringing in a 'private right to copy'. according to music trade body British Music Rights.

The BMR also said there will be detailed commentary about how creative industries can work with technology industries to develop a more organised approach to legal content services, removing illegal content as well as how best to exploit music in the digital age.

In addition, reports from the Sunday Telegraph over the weekend suggest the copyright extension term of 50 years will remain unchanged, despite widespread industry support to extend the term to 95 years, the same as in the US.

The review, commissioned by Gordon Brown, is being led by the former Financial Times editor, Andrew Gowers.

(from NMA.co.uk)