performers' rights


performers' rights

the legal protection given to persons and businesses from the making of unauthorized films, broadcasts, recordings or cable transmission of their performances.

In the UK, the Performers' Protection Acts 1958-72, as updated by the COPYRIGHT, DESIGNS AND PATENTS ACT 1988, give protection to original performances for 50 years. In cases of infringement, performers may seek an injunction through the Courts preventing further abuses, with offenders liable to pay unlimited damages/ fines and to prison sentences in extreme cases.