In the long running fight over rights to online content, YouTube have reconsidered their position and will now negotiate terms with independent labels. The online giant had initially threatened to remove content belonging to labels that refused to sign their contract, meaning large amounts of music would not feature on their new streaming service.
Obviously many labels were unhappy with the situation and banded together to fight the move. Thanks to the support of outspoken industry leaders including AIM’s Alison Wenham who branded the YouTube terms ‘indefensible’, though, it seems independent labels are now being offered a fair deal.
At the same time, the European Court has reportedly set a case in motion which will examine such contracts and terms to determine their lawfulness under current regulations.
While it’s unclear whether it was bad press or court action that prompted YouTube to have a change of heart, it seems like the coming weeks will be critical to determining the outcome of this debate.
Importantly for the future of music, the Google-owned giant now knows how far the independent sector will go to protect its greatest assets.