Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Core legislation governing copyright protection in the UK. Covers musical works, lyrics, and arrangements, defines rights of copyright owners, and specifies duration of copyright protection.
Copyright (Rights in Performances) Regulations 1996: Legislation covering performance rights, particularly relevant for live performances and recordings in music publishing.
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999: Governs third-party rights provisions, particularly important when dealing with sub-publishers or licensees in music publishing agreements.
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Legal framework for handling personal data of writers/composers, including requirements for data processing and storage in the music industry.
Competition Act 1998: Competition law relevant for territorial restrictions and exclusive arrangements in music publishing agreements.
Enterprise Act 2002: Additional competition legislation affecting business practices and market regulations in the music publishing industry.
Consumer Rights Act 2015: Relevant when dealing with individual songwriters who might be considered consumers under the law.
Berne Convention: International treaty providing the basis for mutual recognition of copyright between nations.
WIPO Copyright Treaty: International agreement addressing copyright protection for the digital age.
Universal Copyright Convention: International treaty establishing basic copyright protections across member states.
PRS for Music Regulations: Industry-specific rules and regulations from the Performing Right Society affecting music publishing administration in the UK.
