Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
What is the Global Repertoire Database Working Group?
The Global Repertoire Database Working Group (GRD WG) is made up of eight companies. These are Amazon, EMI Music Publishing, iTunes, Nokia, PRS for Music, SACEM, STIM and Uni versal Music Publishing. The terms of reference for the GRD WG were to agree requirements in relation to a common framework for rights ownership information for musical works and consider issuing a request for proposals, with the initial focus being on the online distribution of music. This is documented in a Joint Statement of 19th October 2009.
How was the GRD WG formed?
In September 2008 the then European Competition Commissioner, Neelie Kroes initiated the Online Commerce Roundtable whereby a selection of music rights holders and rights managers, music service providers and consumer representatives met to discuss issues relating to the provision of online music services. Following meetings in September and October 2009, the participants of the Roundtable issued a Joint Statement setting out some agreed general principles concerning the online distribution of music.
What steps have the GRD WG taken?
On April 22nd 2010 the GRD WG published a Request for Information (RfI), which was circulated to nearly 90 companies around the world. These included trade associations, standards organisations, digital media technical service providers, consulting firms, digital media aggregators, music rights societies, music publishers, recording companies, sound recording and performer rights societies and mobile network providers. This Request for Information was published with the aim of soliciting ideas from the wider online music and technology communities with respect to the GRD.
What level of submissions did the GRD WG receive for its RfI?
The GRD WG received over 30 responses from a wide range of the companies to whom it was sent.
What resulted from the RfI submissions?
It was clear from a number of submissions that the creation of a GRD can reasonably be achieved because solutions to all or part of the anticipated scope are already available. Similarly there seems to be a general recognition that a tool such as the GRD is needed to allow companies operating in the music supply chain to manage aspects of their transaction processing efficiently. The purpose of seeking submissions to the RfI had always been as a means to help inform the development of a Request for Proposals (RfP). It became apparent that a number of the companies that made submissions already have infrastructure that might fulfil all or part of the anticipated scope of the GRD. Therefore a number of companies were invited to present to the GRD WG to show what technology already existed.
When will the RfP be spublished?
The RfP was published on 30th July and can be found here.
What will happen after publication of the RfP?
The final date for submissions to the RfP is Friday 15th October. From then the GRD WG will be evaluating the proposals. Those considered to be able to provide all or part of the solution needed to meet the GRD requirements will then be invited to present their solution to the GRD WG in mid-November. Once that process has been completed, the GRD WG intends to publish a document setting out its recommendation for how the concept of the GRD should be moved forward, both in terms of the potential technology partner and in terms of the governance and finance structure that will be required for its successful completion and on-going operation.