The important bit doesn't show up until the sixth paragraph: "Today's decision does not affect the 'reproduction right' that they can collect a fee for, only the one for downloading. Until now, downloading fell under the 'communication to the public' right."
Apparently, downloaded/streamed songs in Canada had been earning royalties as a public performance. That part has been struck down. Royalties are still earned under the "making a copy" rule.
Anyone else notice that the acronym for Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers (SOCAN), should actually be SOCAMP? Guess they felt that was inappropriate.
Canadian Supreme Court scraps royalties for Canadian music downloads.
We have a completely separate system in the U.S. that imposes mandatory royalties (along with a corresponding royalty collection body to obviate the need to track down music rights holders). Europe has something similar.
Yes, I was thoroughly confused until it clicked it was Canadian media. Can we get a bot on the news submitter that asks for a nation to be added when the headline says "Congress" or "Parliament" or "Supreme Court"? :P
Apparently, downloaded/streamed songs in Canada had been earning royalties as a public performance. That part has been struck down. Royalties are still earned under the "making a copy" rule.
Seems totally reasonable to me.