Nov. 25 – China’s State Council has issued Order (2009) #566 on trial measures for payments to copyright owners to broadcast of audio-recorded products via radio or television effective January 1, 2010.

These measures apply to circumstances where radio and television stations broadcast audio material without prior approval by the copyright owners. The order clarifies that radio and tv stations may remit payments to copyright owners through copyright ownership organizations or collective organizations that administer such rights based on an agreed amount or an amount according to the prescribed payment range and method set out in the measures.

The copyright payments are to be settled on an annual basis. The order also specifies that provided the radio or tv stations have made payments, they shall not be liable for any disputes that may arise between the collective organizations and the copyright owners.