Important: This information is only relevant for you if you participated in sound recordings with a buy-out contract in the years 1963 to 1972. Sound recordings from later years will become relevant at later dates. We will inform you about this separately.
Extension of the term of protection - What is that?
In 2013, the German Copyright Act extended the protection for sound recordings from 50 to 70 years by inserting a new Section 79a UrhG. Without this extension, older music titles would have become public domain and could be used without remuneration. Artists with buy-out contracts are to receive an economic share of the proceeds from sales or digital uses such as streaming or downloading by the producers of sound carriers during the extended protection period. This is done via GVL.
From which recording year does the extended protection period apply?
The law applies to sound recordings whose term of protection for performers and producers had not expired on November 1, 2013 or was created after that date, i.e. to repertoire from 1963 onwards.
To which recordings does this apply?
Affected are recordings in which one or more studio musicians or other musicians (including featured performers or orchestral musicians) participated, who were remunerated at that time by way of a one-time payment (buy-out contract).
How do I find and recognize the productions in question in my.gvl?
In the Product Search, a separate filter is available to display products with §79a uses. For identification purposes, the titles in question bear a paragraph symbol ("§"). If you have not yet submitted a participation report, simply submit it as usual. If you have already reported your participations, a new report is not necessary.
How long do I have to register my contributions and when will the next distribution take place?
The decisive factor is the recording year of the relevant titles and productions. You can find the period for which you can currently register and the corresponding registration deadlines here. After the registration deadline, distribution usually starts in the following quarter. We will inform you of the exact distribution date in good time beforehand.
What about productions from later years that also fall within the extended protection period?
We will inform you in advance about the further procedure, e.g. new reporting options in the portal, in due time.
Do you have questions?
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