Google took a big step in expanding the portfolio of music it is able to make available to customers with a new licensing deal covering several European countries. The license deal with Armonia, an alliance of French, Italian and Spanish licensing groups, opens the door to music from 35 countries. Notable artists covered by the new deal include Lady Gaga and Rihanna.
In addition to the European countries covered by the agreement, Google also gained access to the British and American portfolios of Universal Music Publishing and the Latin portfolio of Sony. Sources indicate royalties for publishers and artists are consistent with industry standards. The breadth of the deal is unusual as license deals with others have typically been on a country-by-country basis.
source: Businessweek
