Following controversy over copy-protection mechanisms on some CDs that prevent the music from being played on PCs, a music industry body thinks it has the solution

A music industry group has proposed a logo to identify CDs that include anti-copying features, saying the feature could help allay consumer concerns over the technology.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) on Tuesday announced that the optional logo, which would appear either as part of the CD's cover artwork or as a sticker, would help customers know that they are purchasing CDs with technology that prevents the discs from being digitally copied or downloaded.

"The new, optional logo will be of practical help to record companies and retailers in informing consumers that a CD carries some form of copy control," IFPI chief executive Jay Berman said.

The IFPI, which is similar to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), is a proponent of copy-protection technology. The music industry is looking to copy controls to stem digital copying, which it blames for a drop in record sales. A recent study showed a 7 percent slump in CD shipments, and the record labels attribute the decline to MP3s copied from CDs and distributed over the Internet.

"Copy protection is a logical response by the music industry to protect its product from mass copying and digital piracy," Berman said.

Copy-protected CDs are becoming more popular overseas, but US labels have been backing off on using the technology in response to consumer complaints that the CDs couldn't be played in some DVD players, game consoles and other devices.

Virginia Democrat representative Rick Boucher has spoken out against copy locks on CDs, saying the technology appears to violate consumers' rights for home recording.

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