Statement Regarding Alleged Unauthorised Use of Music

The National Party completely rejects the allegation that the library music used in its early campaign advertisements is a copyright infringement of any artist’s work.

The National Party purchased the music in question from recognised production music supplier “Beatbox”, based in Australia and Singapore. The music was originally published by Spider Cues Music, a well-established Los Angeles-based provider of music to the film and entertainment industry.

As with all works licensed by the Beatbox library music service, the National Party was assured the music in question did not infringe any copyright and was an original work.

Furthermore, the music license and fee were arranged through the Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA/AMCOS), who act as agents for Beatbox in Australia and New Zealand. These organisations exist to protect the rights of artists.

Regardless, as our advertising was moving on to different material at the time of the complaint, over two weeks ago, we were able to accommodate the complaining artist and undertake not to continue using the track. However, this has not satisfied the complainant.

We note that the work in question has been licensed multiple times both in Australia and New Zealand without issue or complaint, for example Australia’s Got Talent (Australia 2011), Unsung Heroes (TVNZ 2012) and A Current Affair (Australia 2013).

It appears though that the National Party is the only organisation that has used this material that is being legally targeted.

We also note that up until now the music has continued to be freely available for licensing on the Spider Cues website.

The National Party will be defending this action vigorously. As the matter is now before the courts we will not be making any further public comment.

ENDS

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