Guangdong Mobile Tightens Copyright Requirements for SPs
Sohu IT, 11/07/07
A source close to China Mobile (NYSE: CHL; 0941.HK) has revealed that Guangdong Mobile has issued new requirements to its Monternet partners regarding copyright approval for color ringback tones (CRBT). Under previous conditions, Monternet SPs needed authorization from at least one of Sony (including BMG), EMI, Warner or Universal. Record companies (including those making content locally) who wanted to operate wireless value-added services also came under this restriction. However there were many loopholes in these regulations that were exploited by wireless value-added service providers (SPs).
Due to this, Guangdong Mobile has redefined its copyright approval standards for CRBTs. The new standard states that for songs copyrighted by Universal, the SP needs to have both an authorized play-list, with seal, issued by the company, and a copyright license contract signed with Universal's wholly owned Chinese subsidiary. For EMI, SPs need to obtain the rights to the recording from EMI as well as the rights to use the music and lyrics. SPs using songs copyrighted by Sony and Warner also need to provide evidence that they have the rights to use both the recording and the lyrics.
LENS: For more background on how the grading system works, please see China Mobile Grades WVAS Service Providers, MW 8/17/07 issue.
Keywords: Sony BMG Sony-BMG EMI Group Warner Universal SP IPR copyright China Mobile CHL 0941.HK Monternet WVAS ringback tone mobile music Guangdong Mobile
Sending
