SUISA/ProLitteris: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how creative professionals in Switzerland can collect royalties for their intellectual property through SUISA and ProLitteris.
This scheme functions as a way for creative professionals to manage their rights and collect royalties for the use of their intellectual property.
Who it's for
This scheme is intended for creative professionals who produce original works. If you are an individual working within the creative industries in Switzerland, you may qualify to join these societies to protect your intellectual property rights, known locally as Urheberrecht. This is particularly relevant for those working as freelancers or self-employed individuals navigating the Swiss creative landscape.
What you get
The primary benefit of this scheme is the collection of royalties. When your intellectual property is used by others, these societies act as the mechanism to ensure you are compensated for that usage. This provides a way to generate revenue from your creative output through the management and distribution of these rightful payments.
What it costs you
Accessing these benefits is not free. To become a member and utilize the services provided by these societies, you will be required to pay a membership fee. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with managing your rights and collecting the money owed to you.
The catch to know
The most important detail to understand is that membership alone does not automatically guarantee you will receive money. You have a responsibility to actively register your specific works within their systems. If your individual works are not correctly documented and registered with the society, they cannot track usage, which means you will miss out on the payouts you are owed.
How to apply
- Confirm that your creative professional status aligns with the requirements of the society.
- Visit the official portal to understand the specific registration process for your type of work.
- Complete the necessary paperwork to pay your membership fee and establish your account.
- Carefully register every specific work you create to ensure your intellectual property is tracked for future payouts.