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No more "Post lyrics" threads, guys
Music publishers seek stringent punishment for websites disclosing lyrics
US music publishers are calling for the imprisonment of owners of websites that contain song lyrics, guitar tabs and musical scores.
The Music Publishers' Association (MPA) says such unlicensed publication is illegal and that closing websites and fining their owners is insufficient punishment.
MPA president Lauren Keise said: 'throw in some jail time I think we'll be a little more effective'.
Keise added that the photocopier had hit songwriters and composers' incomes but that the Internet 'is taking more of a bite'.
Keise's remarks follow legal action earlier this week against the developers of software that searches the Web for lyrics. Walter Ritter was forced to withdraw one such application, pearLyrics, after receiving a cease and desist notice from record company Warner/Chappell Music.
The president of the National Music Publishers' Association, another US body, backed Keise's call.
'Unauthorised use of lyrics and tablature deprives the songwriter of the ability to make a living, and is no different than stealing,' he said.
US music publishers are calling for the imprisonment of owners of websites that contain song lyrics, guitar tabs and musical scores.
The Music Publishers' Association (MPA) says such unlicensed publication is illegal and that closing websites and fining their owners is insufficient punishment.
MPA president Lauren Keise said: 'throw in some jail time I think we'll be a little more effective'.
Keise added that the photocopier had hit songwriters and composers' incomes but that the Internet 'is taking more of a bite'.
Keise's remarks follow legal action earlier this week against the developers of software that searches the Web for lyrics. Walter Ritter was forced to withdraw one such application, pearLyrics, after receiving a cease and desist notice from record company Warner/Chappell Music.
The president of the National Music Publishers' Association, another US body, backed Keise's call.
'Unauthorised use of lyrics and tablature deprives the songwriter of the ability to make a living, and is no different than stealing,' he said.
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