Paris - Two European copyright societies sent letters to Google's YouTube and News Corp.'s MySpace this week, asking them to come forward "to discuss the conclusion of license agreements with copyright societies and back payment of royalties for the past unauthorized use of copyright works created by millions of composers, songwriters, and publishers from around the world."

The groups, CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers) and BIEM, say that the current system where copyright holders must make requests that sites remove infringing files is "contrary to copyright laws, which firmly place responsibility on the user to secure permission before using a copyright work."

However, CISAC and BIEM say their goal is not to have works they represent removed from MySpace and YouTube, an act that would "not represent the best long-term solution for both rights holders and the services."

"The goal of this action is to initiate licensing partnerships that will enable continued growth for these platforms. Such a partnership is beneficial to all interested parties," said Eric Bapiste, director general of CISAC.

Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/2hr2m2 (CISAC statement)

http://www.biem.org