Japan mulls copyright charge for iPod buyers: Official
Japan is considering a copyright fee for buyers of iPods and similar portable audio players, as well as hard disc video recorders, an official said on Thursday.
By Agencies |
TOKYO: Japan is considering a copyright fee for buyers of iPods and similar portable audio players, as well as hard disc video recorders, an official said on Thursday.
A panel will weigh the proposal, which was made by the culture agency in an effort to resolve a long-running row between copyright holders and gadget manufacturers, who oppose the charge, the official said.
Japan already charges such fees on Minidisc and DVD recorders. Local media said the panel aims to make a decision this year on whether to introduce the new charge by 2010.
A majority of the committee members are reportedly in favour of a levy, which is expected to be several hundred yen ($7) and added to the retail price.
The charge aims to compensate musicians and other copyright owners because their work is often copied and spread among consumers.
Although Japan is home to global electronics icon Sony Corp., which developed the Walkman, Apple's iPod has been a huge hit here.
A panel will weigh the proposal, which was made by the culture agency in an effort to resolve a long-running row between copyright holders and gadget manufacturers, who oppose the charge, the official said.
Japan already charges such fees on Minidisc and DVD recorders. Local media said the panel aims to make a decision this year on whether to introduce the new charge by 2010.
A majority of the committee members are reportedly in favour of a levy, which is expected to be several hundred yen ($7) and added to the retail price.
The charge aims to compensate musicians and other copyright owners because their work is often copied and spread among consumers.
Although Japan is home to global electronics icon Sony Corp., which developed the Walkman, Apple's iPod has been a huge hit here.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
