MUMBAI: Omnifone, the leading independent provider of cloud based unlimited music services globally, today announces a landmark deal with German collection society GEMA to license the first legitimate global subscription service in Germany. Omnifone and GEMA agreed licensing for Sony’s cloud based music service “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” which launches in Germany this weekend on Sony’s range of network connected BRAVIA(R) TVs, Blu-ray Disc(TM) players, Blu-ray Disc Home Theater systems, PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment systems as well as VAIO and other personal computers.
Through its negotiations for Sony’s cloud based digital music service “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity”, Omnifone worked with GEMA, the authors’ association for works of music, to establish a new licensing agreement for unlimited music services.
“This landmark deal negotiated with GEMA for Sony by Omnifone brings the cost of subscription based music licensing in Germany into line with the rest of Europe for the first time,” said Jeff Hughes, CEO of Omnifone. “Omnifone’s experienced commercial team enables partners to roll out cloud based music services globally, opening up new markets through innovative licensing agreements around the world.”
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“We are very pleased about the successful agreement with Omnifone. The signing of the contract illustrates that it is possible after all to license innovative business models in the field of online,” said chairman of the Executive Board of GEMA, Dr. Harald Heker.
“Omnifone’s groundbreaking license agreement with GEMA enables Sony to roll out the first fully-licensed, cloud-based, unlimited music service in Germany that delivers a great consumer experience and ensures German publishers and composers are fairly compensated for the music accessed by subscribers,” said Tim Schaaff, President of Sony Network Entertainment.
Omnifone and GEMA’s agreement will enable the introduction of further globally competitive subscription based music services into the German market, providing consumers with legitimate subscription based music services and generating new revenue streams for German rights holders.
