British copyright law states that music, literary and other creators own their work for only 50 years - which now means that music made in 1956 or before is free to use.
In less than a decade, early tracks by The Beatles will be available to anyone to exploit as they please.
Yesterday, a review for the British government rejected extending copyright on sound recordings and performers' rights.
4,000 names, claiming to represent 3,500 record companies and 40,000 performers, appeared on a full-page advertisement in the Financial Times.
"We call upon the UK government to support the extension of copyright in sound recordings," the appeal read.
The British Phonographic Industry is lobbying for a copyright extension to 95 years, the same as in the United States.