I told you yesterday of the ruling that will put ringtones under the same compulsory license that allows those Super Hits of the 70's CD compilations to exist. The ruling means that if a ringtone is released by the rights holder, any other potential rights seeker can publish that ringtone as long as they pay the compulsory licensing rates established by the copyright office.

Today The Harry Fox Agency is fighting back, flatly refusing to recognize the copyright office's decision. The Harry Fox Agency's refusal flies directly in the face of the RIAA position and, although that's not surprising, it does show the rift between various segments of the music business. An RIAA statement reads in part, " "This decision injects clarity into the marketplace - clarity that will help satisfy fans' hunger for the latest hits from today's best artists by affording record companies and ringtone providers the ability to move new offerings quickly and easily to consumers. Ultimately, we're all seeking a vibrant mobile business. This decision helps us further that goal."

I've done some digging for those who want to understand this whole mess a little better. This paper from Vanderbilt School of Law gives a much clearer view of the issues at stake, which are far too complex to be covered in the three paragraph articles in the press surrounding this decision.

[via Digital Music News]