The government will soon publish a consultation on an application by the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) to operate an Extended Collective Licensing (ECL) scheme.

ECL allows collective management organisations (CMOs) to offer copyright licences which cover the works of all relevant rights holders in the sector. This Includes those who have not directly mandated the CMO to represent them.

The CLA has applied for authorisation as required by The Copyright and Rights in Performances (Extended Collective Licensing) Regulations 2014. The government is seeking views from anyone with an interest.

The consultation will run until early February 2018. In the meantime, questions on the consultation process should be directed to collectiverights@ipo.gov.uk.