In August 2010, the Arbitration Board of the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) had deemed it adequate to increase the tariff to 30% of the GEMA tariff - this had been confirmed by the Higher Regional Court Munich in September 2012. Both sides had, however, appealed this decision; GVL appealed because it was not understandable why the tariff for performing artists and producers of sound recordings should amount to less than a third of that paid to authors; The dance school associations appealed because they rejected any increase whatsoever.

"Concluding these general agreements is a major breakthrough for us, as we finally managed to push through remuneration payments for our members - currently counting more than 145,000 - and the usage of their works on mobiles and tablets after many years", the two Managing Directors of GVL, Guido Evers and Dr. Tilo Gerlach rejoice. "For quite a few years now, many people use mobiles and tablets for making private copies.

The 7-digit revenue increases for each of the two categories broadcasting and public performance could not make up for the lower income collected for private copying. GVL's biggest income source, broadcasting remuneration, rose by 1.9% to EUR 81.8m compared to 2014 (EUR 80.3m). The neighbouring society's public performance revenues were also subject to an increase of EUR 1.7m, reaching a total of EUR 41.1m (which corresponds to a plus of 4.4%).

• 2016 financial results: GVL yields EUR 271m in collections for neighbouring rights on behalf of artists, producers, music video clip producers and event organisers
• Revenue growth of more than 67% compared to the previous year (2015)
• Rights holders benefit from the private copying levy on devices (mobile phones and tablets) fo

• Revenue growth of more than 14.1% compared to previous record year 2016
• Private copying levy on devices for mobile phones and tablets also a strong driver of revenue in 2017
• Other revenue categories also slightly up
• Distribution plans for 2016-2018 finalised and passed
• Modernising process of the GVL continues

Berlin 21. June 2018 – In the course of this year’s Associates’ and Delegates’ Assembly on 20. June 2018, GVL has announced very good financial results for the year 2017.

"GVL supports the decision of the MEPs to sustainably strenghten the rights of all creators in Europe. By way of yesterdays vote for a reform of the EU copyright laws, a future-oriented foundation for creative performances in the digital context was laid", says Dr. Tilo Gerlach, Managing Director of GVL. "To us, a fair remuneration for all creative performances based on a reliable legal foundation has absolute priority. Todays decision is a key milestone for a fair regulation."

• GVL collected approx.

“We cordially welcome the Federal Acting Association as a new associate of GVL and look forward to a good collaboration”, said Dr. Tilo Gerlach and Guido Evers, GVL Managing Directors.