7.03.2013: One of Europe’s most senior policy makers will address the music industry‘s key copyright issues at the first meeting of the recently formed cross party music group next week.

Maria Martin-Prat, Head of Copyright at the EU Commission Internal Market and Services, will join more than two dozen senior MPs and peers in Westminster to respond to some of the challenges thrown up by the Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property.

Martin-Prat will be accompanied at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Music meeting by Warner/Chappell Music Senior Vice President of International Legal and Business Affairs Jane Dyball.

Dyball will tackle topics such as the proposed global repertoire database and the forthcoming legislation relating to private copying.

The John Robertson MP-chaired APPG on Music, which provides a forum between parliamentarians and the music industry, will also examine how the music industry is taking forward licensing:  the UK creative industries have already given a green light to the building of a copyright hub – the project is being led by Richard Hooper – to simplify licensing.

UK Music took over the Secretariat of the APPG on Music, which numbers MPs such as Mike Weatherley and Luciana Berger among its members, last year.  The organisation’s director of government and public affairs Tom Kiehl said the meeting is timely because the Hargreaves Review, endorsed by the Government, has presented the music industry a series of challenges that are being felt across Europe.

Kiehl said: “MPs and peers are preparing to get their teeth stuck into issues, which stem from Hargreaves and impact the music industry.  They need to have greater understanding before they legislate so this meeting is a unique opportunity to find out how the music industry is adapting to the digital age and how the approach of the Government is being felt in the rest of Europe.”

Martin-Prat is very familiar with the music industry, having worked at the IFPI a decade ago. “UK Music has secured two excellent speakers,” added Kiehl.  “Jane and Maria have unique perspectives and will assist decision makers about our industry concerns.”