After originally threatening to leave, London-based EMI Records has confirmed it will remain a member of the IFPI. With its self-imposed deadline of March 31st 2008 looming, the company has struck a deal so that EMI - together with other members - will now contribute less to anti-piracy activities.

In December 2007, in an effort to pacify its new owners by cutting costs, London-based record label EMI offered its resignation to the IFPI, saying it would leave the organization over “the future structure and funding of the IFPI and the national industry bodies.” Comments made by EMI chairman Guy Hands suggested that IFPI membership cost his company, and others, in excess of $250m per year.

EMI offered a deadline - either the IFPI reduced the costs associated with membership by 31st March 2008 - or EMI would leave. Now, after a few months of negotiations, it seems some sort of deal has been struck enabling EMI to stay as a member. Read the rest of this entry »