Rotana, which claims to be the Arab world’s largest record label and music publisher, has partnered with Dubai-based media and entertainment law firm, The Rights Lawyers. Together, they will launch Rotana Music’s new blanket music licence initiative, which will draw attention to issues surrounding copyright infringement and the true value of music, while enabling music users […]
Rotana, which claims to be the Arab world’s largest record label and music publisher, has partnered with Dubai-based media and entertainment law firm, The Rights Lawyers.
Together, they will launch Rotana Music’s new blanket music licence initiative, which will draw attention to issues surrounding copyright infringement and the true value of music, while enabling music users to properly license their use of music.
Malls, restaurants, retailers, broadcasters and airlines among others will now be able to obtain blanket licences to cover the public performance of Rotana’s Arabic music and international music (through its representation of Sony ATV & Warner Chappell repertoire) in their places of businesses.
Speaking about the partnership, Jihad Nehme, Executive Manager of Rotana Publishing said that the time had come “to enforce our rights and apply the law and save the music”.
“We are launching awareness campaigns highlighting that music is not free and to be legal, music users should apply for a licence. It is the time to respect the intellectual property rights of artists, ensuring they are duly compensated for the use of their music, as already happens in most markets around the world.
Mark Hill, Managing Partner of The Rights Lawyers added: “We look forward to working together on this initiative with Rotana, bringing much needed light to the subject of music rights. For too long, the Middle East has proved to be a ‘black hole’ for music rights owners, with royalties going unpaid. We have, in any case, seen a real change of attitude in this region regarding the clearance of rights and it is starting to become second nature for credible and legitimate businesses to clear rights and obtain licences. This collaboration with Rotana, a primary rights owner in the region, is simply a natural next step in this process.
