Domingo Hails Copyright Extension

Opera star Placido Domingo welcomed an extension of copyright protection across Europe today as "great news for performing artists".

The singer, who is also Chairman of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), was speaking after EU governments endorsed plans to increase the copyright limit from 50 to 70 years.

Today's compromise brings Europe's artists more in line with the copyright protection offered to authors and composers, who are covered for 70 years beyond their deaths.

Domingo said: "The decision to extend the term of protection for recordings in Europe is great news for performing artists.

"Artists at the start of their careers will benefit from an increased pool of revenue that will be available to invest in new talent. Established artists can benefit from their work throughout their lifetimes. This is especially important today when licensed digital services make music widely available online."