NMPA and Fullscreen Reach Settlement Agreement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / January 8, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. & CULVER CITY, CALIF. -- The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) and Fullscreen, Inc. (Fullscreen) today announced that they have reached an agreement to settle copyright infringement claims related to video creators who are part of Fullscreen’s multi-channel video network. In August 2013, the NMPA sued Fullscreen for its use of unlicensed musical works in videos uploaded by video creators to Fullscreen’s popular YouTube channels. The settlement will enable music publishers that opt in to the agreement to receive compensation for previous use of their works in these videos.
Moving forward, Fullscreen will work with music publishers to license musical works. Fullscreen affiliated channels with videos containing music will be licensed under YouTube's direct licenses with music publishers, and Fullscreen will remove video content containing unlicensed music that appear on Fullscreen managed channels.
“This settlement demonstrates the fundamental value of songwriters and their music publishing partners, and highlights NMPA’s mission to fight for fair compensation and protection of songwriters’ rights,” said David Israelite, NMPA president and CEO. “As the digital marketplace continues to evolve, music publishing rights must be recognized and built into future business models, and we applaud Fullscreen for working with us to recognize the contribution of songwriters.”
Fullscreen’s network receives more than 30 million unique viewers each month through its popular video channels in the comedy, action, gaming, beauty, dance, and music categories.
“Fullscreen’s mission is to empower the next generation of creative talent,” said George Strompolos, Founder & CEO of Fullscreen. “To that end, Fullscreen is pleased to be one of the leading multi-channel networks to establish landmark licenses with major music publishers on behalf of Fullscreen’s music artists. We commend the NMPA for their proactiveness and helping to clear the way for us to establish new relationships with music publishers. Fullscreen will continue to pioneer ‘win/win/win’ solutions for emerging musicians, their audiences, and existing rights holders within the music industry.”
About NMPA: Founded in 1917, the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) is the trade association representing American music publishers and their songwriting partners. The NMPA’s mandate is to protect and advance the interests of music publishers and songwriters in matters relating to the domestic and global protection of music copyrights.
About Fullscreen: Fullscreen is a next-generation media company that offers innovative technology and premium services for content creators and the world's leading brands to thrive on YouTube. Fullscreen's global network generates over 3 billion monthly video views and reaches over 300 million subscribers. Headquartered in Culver City, California, Fullscreen was founded in January 2011 by CEO George Strompolos, a co-creator of the YouTube Partner Program. Fullscreen’s video channel network includes top creative talent like The Fine Brothers, filmmaker Devin Super Tramp, and recording artist Lindsey Stirling.