The Musicians' Union (MU), The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) and UK Music have asked for a judicial review of a recent private copying exception law as it does not include a compensation to music-makers, sometimes known as a copyright levy. Last month, the UK copyright law changed to include a private copying exception that would allow consumers to make a copy of their legally acquired music.

Although UK Music, an industry-backed group that pushes the key business and political agenda within Westminster, welcomed the purpose of the new measures, but says that the actual legislation is failing to include fair compensation for musicians, composers and rights holders.

"The private copying exception contravenes Article 5 (2) (b) of the Copyright Directive which includes a requirement that where a member state provides for such a copyright exception - as the UK now has - it must also provide fair compensation for rights holders," UK Music says.

The absence of a compensatory mechanism has led UK Music to to the judicial review being applied for. The Judicial review process will involve the High Court examining the U.K's government?s decision.