[Federal Register: December 1, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 230)]

[Rules and Regulations]               

[Page 67187-67188]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS



Copyright Office

[Docket No. 99-7 CARP]

37 CFR Part 253



 

Cost of Living Adjustment for Performance of Musical Compositions 

by Colleges and Universities



AGENCY: Copyright Office, Library of Congress.



ACTION: Final rule.



-----------------------------------------------------------------------



SUMMARY: The Copyright Office of the Library of Congress announces a 

cost of living adjustment of 2.6% in the royalty rates paid by 

colleges, universities, or other nonprofit educational institutions 

that are not affiliated with National Public Radio, for the use of 

copyrighted published nondramatic musical compositions. The cost of 

living adjustment is based on the change in the Consumer Price Index 

from October, 1998, to October, 1999.



EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2000.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David O. Carson, General Counsel, or 

Tanya M. Sandros, Attorney Advisor, at Copyright Arbitration Royalty 

Panel, P.O. Box 70977, Southwest Station, Washington, DC 20024. 

Telephone: (202) 707-8380. Telefax: (202) 252-3423.



SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 118 of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C., 

creates a compulsory license for the use of published nondramatic 

musical works and published pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works in 

connection with noncommercial broadcasting. Terms and rates for this 

compulsory license, applicable to parties who are not subject to 

privately negotiated licenses, are published in 37 CFR part 253 and are 

subject to adjustment at five-year intervals. 17 U.S.C. 118(c). The 

last proceeding to adjust the terms and rates for the section 118 

license began in 1996. 61 FR 54458 (October 18, 1996).

    On January 14, 1998, the Copyright Office announced final 

regulations governing the terms and rates of copyright royalty payments 

with respect to certain uses by public broadcasting entities of 

published nondramatic musical works, and published pictorial, graphic, 

and sculptural works, including the 1998 rates for the public 

performance of musical compositions in the ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC 

repertories by public broadcasting entities licensed to colleges and 

universities. 63 FR 2142 (January 14, 1998).

    Pursuant to these regulations, on December 1 of each year ``the 

Librarian of Congress shall publish a notice of the change in the cost 

of living during the period from the most recent Index published prior 

to the previous notice, to the most recent Index published prior to 

December 1, of that year.'' 37 CFR 253.10(a). The regulations also 

require that the Librarian publish a revised schedule of rates for the 

public performance of musical compositions in the ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC 

repertories by public broadcasting entities licensed to colleges and 

universities, reflecting the change in the Consumer Price Index. 37 CFR 

253.10(b).

    Accordingly, the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress is 

hereby announcing the change in the Consumer Price Index and performing 

the annual cost of living adjustment to the rates set out in 

Sec. 253.5(c). 63 FR 2142 (January 14, 1998).

    The change in the cost of living as determined by the Consumer 

Price Index (all consumers, all items) during the period from the most 

recent Index published before December 1, 1998, to the most recent 

Index published before December 1, 1999, was 2.6% (1998's figure was 

164.0; 1999's figure is 168.4, based on 1982-1984=100 as a reference 

base). Rounding off to the nearest dollar, the adjustment in the 

royalty rate for the use of musical compositions in the repertory of 

ASCAP and BMI is $231, each, and $63 for the use of musical 

compositions in the repertory of SESAC.



List of Subjects in 37 CFR Part 253



    Copyright, Radio, Television.



Final Regulation



    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, part 253 of title 37 of 

the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:



PART 253--USE OF CERTAIN COPYRIGHTED WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH 

NONCOMMERCIAL EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING



    1. The authority citation for part 253 continues to read as 

follows:



    Authority: 17 U.S.C. 118, 801(b)(1) and 803.





[[Page 67188]]





    2. 37 CFR 253.5 is amended by revising paragraphs (c)(1) through 

(c)(3).





Sec. 253.5  Performance of musical compositions by public broadcasting 

entities licensed to colleges and universities.



* * * * *

    (c) * * *

    (1) For all such compositions in the repertory of ASCAP, $231 

annually.

    (2) For all such compositions in the repertory of BMI, $231 

annually.

    (3) For all such compositions in the repertory of SESAC, $63 

annually.

* * * * *

    Dated: November 22, 1999.

Marybeth Peters,

Register of Copyrights.

[FR Doc. 99-30929 Filed 11-30-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 1410-33-P