Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler is among the artists fighting possible remix legislation currently being reviewed by the U.S. government.
Billboard reports Tyler and music attorney Dina LaPolt have sent a letter to the U.S. Patent and Trademark office opposing the creation of a compulsory license that would allow anyone to legally create remixes and derivative works, without getting songwriter permission.
In July, the U.S. Department of Commerce Internet Policy Task Force issued a green paper on copyright policy, creativity and innovation in the digital economy. Among other things, the paper suggested that remixes might face unacceptable impediments, asking if there is a way to smooth the path for remixes, such as creating a compulsory license.
In their letter to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, LaPolt and Tyler argue that such a compulsory license will take away an artist's right to designate the way their music is used.
"Artists can, and should, continue to be able to deny a use that they do not agree with," the statement said. "There is absolutely no need to impose a compulsory license to allow derivative works," because the current marketplace is working.
"A compulsory license for remixes, mash-ups and sampling is a step too far," they argued. "Approval is the most important right that a recording artist or songwriter has and they need to retain the ability to approve how their works are used... The current system does not need reform."
Other artists also submitted letters of support to the Commerce Committee Task Force, Office of Policy and External Affairs, U.S. Patent and Trademark office, including Don Henley, Sting, Ozzy Osbourne, Britney Spears, Deadmau5, and Joe Walsh.
Read more at Billboard here.
As for Tyler, the Aerosmith frontman is currebtly working on his debut solo album. The singer recently headlined Howard Stern’s 60th Birthday Bash in New York – check out video from the event here.
See also:
VIDEO: Steven Tyler headlines Howard Stern’s 60th Birthday Bash
VIDEO: Aerosmith rock Super Bowl 38
Aerosmith: Steven Tyler to perform at Howard Stern’s 60th birthday bash
Aerosmith: Joe Perry joins cast of Cottonwood film
Search Aerosmith at hennemusic
