Valve is being sued for allegedly distributing music through its games on Steam without permission.
Valve, the operator of the game distribution platform Steam, has been sued by the Performing Rights Society (PRS), a UK-based copyright management organization. The PRS alleges that Valve's distribution of games also constitutes the unauthorized distribution of in-game music.
Video gaming platform Steam faces legal proceedings
Valve Facing UK Lawsuit Over Music Rights in Games Valve Doesn't Make or Own
PRS sues gaming platform giant Steam for copyright infringement
https://completemusicupdate.com/prs-sues-gaming-platform-giant-steam-for-copyright-infringement/
In game development, developers and publishers typically obtain individual licenses to use music within the game. This is a license to synchronize video and music, and is called a sync license.
In the UK, a separate license is required to distribute games with music, and companies like Valve, Sony, and Microsoft are required to obtain this license. The relevant PRS license is called the General Entertainment Online License (GEOL) .
5 Online licensing policyupdated062024.pdf
(PDF file) https://www.prsformusic.com/-/media/files/prs-for-music/royalties/mcps-updates/5-online-licensing-policyupdated062024
According to PRS, Valve has never obtained a license to distribute games that include music written and composed by PRS members. PRS stated that it has been seeking licenses for many years but has not received an appropriate response, which is why it has decided to file a lawsuit.
PRS stated, 'Games featuring music from our members include popular series such as EA SPORTS FC, Forza Horizon, and Grand Theft Auto. Legal action is not something we take lightly, but we have an obligation to act when a company's actions violate our principles. Great games are underpinned by great sound, and the creators behind them should be properly recognized.'
In addition to game streaming, PRS states that licenses are required in various other situations. For example, playing music in an office with four or fewer employees requires £168.25 per year (approximately ¥35,800), and playing music on the radio in a hair and beauty salon with five or fewer seats requires £238.33 per year (approximately ¥50,800).
Music License Cost - PPL PRS - TheMusicLicence
https://pplprs.co.uk/themusiclicence/music-licence-cost/
In the past, PRS issued a warning to a supermarket employee who was singing while stocking shelves, citing the public performance. PRS acknowledged the wrongdoing and apologized for the incident .
Related Posts:
in Note, Posted by log1p_kr