Recent case: Australian Hotels Association v Copyright Tribunal

In response to an application by the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) on behalf of its member artists and record labels, the Copyright Tribunal at first instance – PPCA under section 154(1) of the Copyright Act [2007] ACopyT 1 (10 July 2007) – ordered an increase in the licence fees payable by nightclub venues and dance party operators. The rate for licensed sound recordings played in nightclubs will be raised from $0.07 per person to $1.05 per person and, for dance parties, from $0.20 to $3.05 per person.

The appeal to the Full Federal Court was dismissed.

Australian Hotels Association v Copyright Tribunal [2008] FCAFC 37 (13 March 2008)