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Reports that the German federal parliament passed the European Union's directive regulating copyright law in the information society, making it only the fourth country in Europe to do so. Efforts of the hardware industry to defeat the directive; Details of the directive, including the admissibility of a private copy and levies paid by German consumers for private copying; Legality of offering technologies to crack copy-protected music CDs.

Reports that a coalition representing recording artists unions and record labels are lobbying the United States Congress to update payola laws, or laws banning the payment of cash or gifts for radio airplay. Details of a letter sent by this group in which they request that Congress forbid the payments made by independent promoters to radio stations unless the payment is announced, investigate radio industry vertical integration, as well as make other changes; Signatories of the letter.

Reports that United States Senator Orrin Hatch announced that he will initiate discussions with other legislators to forge an artist rights and non-discriminatory licensing bill. Details of the hearing at which this announcement was made, which was convened to discuss relevant sound recording industry legislation; Proposed provisions for such a bill, including an out-of-print revival right and artist rights in Internet domain names.

Reports that several individuals and groups have responded to a written invitation by the chairman of the United States House Judiciary Committee to forward their views on problems associated with the online music industry. Details of the request, which was made following legislative efforts to forge an alternative to the Music Online Copyright Act; Request by music industry groups that legislation address music piracy; Details of suggestions from other groups.

Reports that the United States Supreme Court will hear a case to determine the legality of the U.S. Copyright Act's current term of copyright. Constitutionality of the term; Related legislation, including a 1998 extension of the Act; Opposition to a challenge to this law by the sound recording industry and others.

Reports that record labels have brokered an agreement with songwriters and publishers that allows for the launch of digital music subscription services in 2001. View of sound recording executives and analysts that the deal is not a long-term solution to licensing issues for online music; Details of the agreement, including an acknowledgement that a mechanical license is required for downloads; Pending issues in the agreement, including rates and royalties issues.