About us
Since 1959, GVL – the German Organisation for the Management of Neighbouring Rights – has represented the interests of performers and producers of sound recordings. It is our core belief that whoever renders artistic performances or creates an economic foundation for them must receive money for the exploitation of such efforts. At, GVL, we register and process the utilisation of these accomplishments to ensure our rights holders receive fair remuneration.
GVL: Numbers, data, facts
- Over 160,000 rights holders
- €248 million collected in 2021
- €337 million distributed in 2021
- Global rights representation
- more than 60 years of rights management
- Free rights management
- Democratic decision-making processes
- Licence bundling for rights users
- Social and cultural grants
Management
GVL explained: An overview of what we do

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Our mission
For over 60 years, GVL has been committed to and passionate about fair remuneration for performers, producers and event organisers.
One-stop shop: As an intermediary between rights holders and rights users, both sides benefit from accurate distribution and negotiation structures.
Our story
Since 1959, GVL has been passionate about representing its rights holders as one of the world’s largest collective management organisations and music licensing companies for neighbouring rights. We are pleased to take you on a journey through time and into the company history of GVL.
Our mission statement
Competent
We harness our longstanding experience and knowledge to the benefit of our rights holders. Going forward, we aspire to continue to be leading experts in the management of neighbouring rights.
Committed
Every day – with dedication and commitment – we do everything we can to ensure fair remuneration for our rights holders.
Accountable
Keeping costs at a low level is one of our key objectives to ensure the highest possible remuneration to each and every rights holder.
Legal basis
Copyright act, Act on Collective Management Organisations or Secondary exploitation rights: Learn everything about the legal basis of GVL.