The deal between EDiMA and SIAE marks the first time a collecting society in the European Union has taken the initiative to conclude a deal with EDiMA members. EDiMA was set up last year and is the only association representing digital media companies across borders.

The deal will allow Italian members of EDiMA to conclude quick negotiations with SIAE on the basis of the preferential provisions already agreed by the two organisations with respect to an experimental licence for the year 2001. While EDiMA does not actually sign commercial agreements with record companies and other licensing bodies, it facilitates the development of digital licenses by staking out positions reflected by its members. This includes addressing licensing terms such as definitions of services, different economic models and technology issues associated with digital media delivery.

Vitaminic was the first EDiMA member to conclude a licence which covers internet radio to downloading songs on the basis of the EDiMA/SIAE deal. "We are pleased that a collecting society has elected to work directly with the industry on on-line licences for content and hope that other collecting societies will follow the path now set by SIAE", said EDiMA Secretary Adriano Marconetto, of Vitaminic. Under the terms of the agreement, EDiMA and SIAE will now formally set up an EDiMA/SIAE Committee to consolidate that already agreed by the two parties and to work together on the evolution of the Internet and the spread of new technologies and business models.

"We see this as a sign of better things to come", said Lucy C. Cronin, Director of EDiMA, "particularly as we have recently seen a willingness on the part of other collecting societies and organisations, such as SACEM, GEMA, BIEM and MCPS/PRS to work with the digital media industry to tackle the question of on-line licensing".


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