GEMA Performance Rights: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how performers and writers can claim royalties for their creative works through this membership scheme.
This scheme allows creators to collect royalties whenever their intellectual property is played in public or broadcast.
Who it's for
This program is specifically designed for creators who produce intellectual property. This includes both the performers who bring works to life and the writers who create the underlying content, such as songs or comedic sketches.
What you get
If you are a member, you are eligible to receive royalties (known locally as Tantiemen) whenever your creative work is performed in public or broadcast through various media. This ensures that you are compensated for the use of your intellectual property (Urheberrecht) across different platforms.
What it costs you
To participate in this scheme, you must pay a membership fee. Beyond the monetary cost, there is a significant time commitment involved in administration. You are responsible for providing detailed reporting of your setlists to ensure that every piece of work is accounted for and correctly attributed.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is that membership does not automatically result in payment for all your creations. You must take the proactive step of registering every single song or sketch you write. If a piece of work is performed but has not been officially registered in the system, you may miss out on your due payments.
How to apply
- Visit the official portal to review the specific requirements for performers and writers.
- Complete the formal membership application process.
- Pay the required membership fee to activate your account.
- Register your creative works and submit your detailed setlists to ensure accurate royalty tracking.