But just how much investment is happening today?  The IFPI just released a report pegging current label investment at $5 billion annually, worldwide.  That is roughly 30 percent of broader revenues, a serious reinvestment on early-stage artist development and marketing.  On top of that, the IFPI estimates that labels commit more than $1 million to break artists into newer markets.  Money for advances, recordings, marketing and promotional activities are the largest expenses, often tipping hundreds-of-thousands of dollars, according to the group.

The findings are part of the just-published Investing in Music report.  The broader agenda is to promote anti-piracy measures, reaffirm the importance of labels to artists, and convince lawmakers that labels play an important role in the economy and culture.  “No other party comes close to the levels of investment committed by record companies to developing, nurturing and promoting talent,” said IFPI chief John Kennedy. 

But other parties are also starting to fill that role.  As the hype surrounding ‘DIY’ dies down, artists are realizing that teams and financial support are important for growth, though the partner itself can vary. Indeed, labels are not the only ones capable of bankrolling talent, and artists have more sidekick options than ever before.

The complaint involved 50 songs, and according to one Beijing-based source, the case focused on lyrics displayed alongside MP3 deeplinks within Baidu MP3.  The Beijing People’s Court for the Haidian District issued a modest fine of 50,000 yuan (5,371 euros, $7,324) plus 10,000 yuan (1,074 euros, $1,465) for litigation expenses.

The fine amount is mostly unimportant, though the local verdict offers hope for label groups like the IFPI, long frustrated by the search behemoth.  But this case goes beyond linking, and the presence of only local companies probably affected the outcome.  Furthermore, Baidu promised to appeal, and in the meantime, could alter its results presentation.