Music Distribution and the Internet

Book excerpt: There is hardly an aspect of internet music promotion, sale and distribution which does not have a legal dimension. Since the stakeholders in the process includes artists, their managers, music publishers, record companies, distribution companies and the consumer, the law relating to internet music distribution is extremely complex. Andrew Sparrow's Music Distribution and the Internet provides those connected to the music and media industries with a guide to the legal requirements they must meet, answering questions such as: ¢ How should you conclude contracts with consumers over the internet? ¢ What are the various legal terms and conditions that should govern the sale of physical product to online music buyers? ¢ How should a website user's personal information be handled? ¢ What limitations are there on the way this data may be used for ongoing marketing of an artist's work or the merchandise associated with it? ¢ What are the latest copyright laws in this area and how do they apply to the internet? The book provides practical advice on how to approach key relationships with the internet buying consumer and other online media providers. The law is explained in straightforward terms and applied throughout in a music business context. Music Distribution and the Internet is an essential reference for anyone seeking to exploit and protect their rights and those of their artists in the rapidly expanding, constantly evolving and fascinating arena that is new media.