GEMA, a music industry group that represents some 70,000 German composers, has signed signed a licensing agreement with Youtube in order to receive remuneration for the exploitation of their musical works protected by copyright. After years of legal disputes and lengthy negotiations, GEMA and YouTube managed to agree on a licensing contract. By concluding this contract, GEMA members will now be paid for the exploitation of works protected by copyright via the online platform with the furthest global reach.

From now on, so-called blocked content notices will discontinue. YouTube is no longer going to place them prior to music videos containing GEMA repertoire protected by copyright.

On top of the traditional ad-based service, the agreement covers the new subscription service that YouTube is already offering in the USA and which it is planning to launch in Europe.

GEMA said that there are still different legal positions held by YouTube and the German music group on the issue of whether YouTube or the uploaders are responsible for the licensing of the used musical works.

Irrespective of these diverging views, GEMA and YouTube decided to look forward and create a secure foundation for GEMA members and YouTube users.