SMF Copyright & Licensing Committee
January 18, 1996
Los Angeles, CA
Manufacturers Unite to Promote Licensing of MIDI Files
The MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) has announced an industry initiative to promote the licensing of commercial music in Standard MIDI file (SMF) format. The "SMF Copyright and Licensing Committee" was formed -- with the assistance of charter members Roland and Yamaha -- to communicate the interests of the music products industry and its customers to music publishers, artists, and copyright holders in hopes of developing a strong market for commercial MIDI files.
This effort is designed to replicate the market which exists in Japan and Europe, where floppy disks of music are treated just like audio CDs and cassettes, and are sold shrink-wrapped off store shelves for prices similar to CDs. In these markets there is also substantial secondary revenue from related services such as magazines and even on-line services devoted to hobbyists and casual listeners.
"To a great extent, the problem in the US and North America is that there is no standard set of laws and practices governing MIDI recordings (SMFs)", said Tom White, MMA President and CEO. "This has severely hampered the development of several MIDI-related markets, including the sale of MIDI scores and instruments for rehearsal, live performance, karaoke, computer hobbyists, and end-user entertainment".
Japan and parts of Europe enjoy healthy markets in the areas of MIDI music data sales, where a single mail order outlet can sell up to 10,000 disks a month. Desktop Music (DTM) sales in Japan hit $35 million in 1994 and were projected to reach $50 million in 1995. What's more, 70% of the business is currently going to first-time buyers, and home computer sales are just starting to explode in Japan.
The MMA initiative will include lobbying for MIDI recordings to enjoy the same status as audio recordings for licensing and copyright protections. MMA Special Counsel for Intellectual Property, Brian Ward, who is leading this effort, has been in contact with the Interactive Multimedia Association (IMA) Intellectual Property group, and will participate in the joint IMA and US Copyright Office forum that will take place in Washington, DC in March.
Equally important is an educational effort, aimed at record labels, music publishers, online content providers, and recording artists, to help them understand the growing interest in MIDI files and how this can be good for business. "The current confusion surrounding the application of MIDI in these markets is blocking its use, and in some cases, the licensing fees requested just don't support a viable business model for these markets", said Ward. "At the same time, the MMA must understand and address the legitimate concerns of rights-holders and develop recommended practices and new MIDI protocols if necessary to protect those rights".
The MMA has long been known as the MIDI standards-setting body for North America and Europe. Three years ago the MMA broadened its charter to include market advocacy and education. These initial efforts have resulted in extensive use of MIDI in PC games and multimedia applications, and a program currently in development to provide MIDI certification for music dealers, co-sponsored by NAMM.
Composed of over 140 hardware and software companies from various industries, the MMA provides forums for discussion and ratification of technology and applications aimed at improving and standardizing the capabilities and marketability of MIDI-based products. The MMA membership includes leading companies from every application of audio and MIDI technology, including stage and theater, music performance, home and studio recording, multimedia computing, film and broadcast, and many more. Membership is open to commercial ventures involved in the design or manufacture of MIDI hardware or software.
contact: Tom White
MIDI Manufacturers Association
POB 3173
La Habra, CA 90632