The IFPI has welcomed the signing of a Free Trade Agreement/Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Japan.
The deal was signed at the EU-Japan Summit in Tokyo by the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, and President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker
Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI, said: “We welcome the signing of the EU-Japan FTA/EPA which marks an important strategic partnership between the European Union and Japan. We believe it will support the continued growth of both music markets and promote investment in culture in both regions.”
The agreement also extends the term of protection of sound recordings in Japan to match the 70-year term in the EU.
Moore said it was a “mark of fairness as recording artists and producers should be protected equally well in both regions”.
“We hope the EU and Japan will continue their discussions on the recording industry’s request for the introduction of the public performance right in Japan and that progress can be made in this area,” she added. “Japan is one of the few countries that do not provide this right.
“We congratulate both negotiating teams and call upon the EU and Japan to proceed swiftly with the ratification process.”
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