Two Promising Announcements for Musicians

American performers can now get royalties from Ireland

Ireland has updated its copyright law so that radio royalties collected in the country can now be paid to American performers, even though US radio stations still pay no equivalent royalties to European artists. SoundExchange CEO Michael Huppe has praised the change as a “significant victory” for US creators and argues that an EU court ruling — the RAAP decision — legally obligates all EU member states to adopt the same approach. Several EU countries, including France, Finland, and Belgium, have not yet aligned their laws, and Huppe says Ireland’s move sends a strong signal as it prepares to assume the EU Council presidency.

However, the shift has sparked pushback from European music industry groups, who argue that sending royalties to the US reduces income for EU artists and labels, especially given the lack of reciprocity. Irish officials acknowledged these concerns but said the RAAP ruling prevents member states from acting unilaterally. The European Commission is now preparing a legislative proposal, expected by early 2027, to address the imbalance. Groups like IMPALA continue pressing for a fix, arguing that the current situation harms European creators and undermines efforts to pressure the US into adopting radio performance royalties of its own.

Netflix agreement for music documentaries

Warner Music Group has struck an exclusive multi‑year deal with Netflix to create documentary films and series centered on the lives, music, and legacies of its iconic and contemporary artists. The projects will be developed in partnership with Unigram, the production company backed by WMG majority owner Access Industries, with each documentary created in collaboration with the featured artist or their estate. WMG CEO Robert Kyncl framed the partnership as a major opportunity to unlock the label’s vast catalog — from legends like David Bowie and Aretha Franklin to modern stars like Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran — and introduce their stories to global audiences through Netflix’s reach.

With this partnership, both companies aim to capitalize on the growing demand for music‑driven documentaries and deepen fan engagement through high‑profile, artist‑centered content. These documentaries show heighten interest in the artists’ music catalogues and help promote then to new fans.

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The Yosick Law team can help with agreements and other legal matters such as copyright and trademark registrations. Please contact us for additional information!