Apple Scores pan-European iTunes Licensing Deal

Apple and PRS for Music have struck a licensing deal that will bring artists from Peer Music and Chrysalis Music to countries throughout the European Union. Details surrounding the deal are still slim, but the pan-European deal gives Apple performing rights through the iTunes Store for all PRS for Music members, according to MusicWeek.

PRS for Music managing director Broadcast, Online & Recorded Media, Andrew Shaw commented, "In our view the deal demonstrates that PRS for Music provides a compelling pan-European offering and leads the market in enabling digital music growth, whilst delivering vital royalties to our members."

The deal apparently also creates a licensing framework for performance rights from other independent music publishers along with publishers involved in the new IMPEL program.

Apple's deal with PRS for Music will help overcome issues where songs may be available through the iTunes Store in one European country, but not in others. There's no word yet on when the deal will go into effect.