Collective management organisations
What is a collective management organisation?
Collective management organisations (CMOs) manage copyright and related rights for their members, such as authors, performers, producers, and others.
Most CMOs specialise in a specific type of work, such as visual arts, documentaries, and fiction. Sabam is an exception, as it manages rights for all types of creative works.
| Category | Names | Managed rights | Main Repertoires |
| For authors | Assucopie, DeAuteurs, SABAM (authors/publishers), SACD, SAJ-JAM, SCAM, SOFAM, VEWA | Copyright |
|
| For performing artists | Playright | Related rights |
|
| For publishers |
Copiebel Copiepress, Librius, licence2publish, Repropress, Semu |
Related rights |
|
| For producers | AGICOA BAVP, Imagia Simin | Related rights |
|
Obligations and oversight of collective management organisations
Collective management organisations face strict legal obligations and rigorous oversight. They must manage the rights within their repertoire impartially and without abuse. They must also have clearly defined statutes and transparent tariffs. Furthermore, they are legally required to publish transparency reports. The FPS Economy oversees their compliance and handles related inquiries and complaints. Their annual supervision reports are accessible on the FPS Economy website.
In practice: how to claim your remuneration
To receive your earnings, follow these key steps:
- Identify the appropriate collective management organisation(s):
Determine which organisation(s) (for authors, performers, publishers or producers) best match your profile and activities.
Compare their services if you have several options. Each organisation is required to publish its transparency reports online.
Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from colleagues who are already members.
- Become a member:
Join by following the organisation’s statutory procedures.
Membership is usually straightforward and quick – check their websites for details.
- Declare your works/performances/details:
Make regular declarations with the required information.
⚠️ Important: not to be confused with plagiarism filing
- Receive your remuneration:
You’ll receive the amounts due to you according to the organisation’s terms and conditions.
- Seek advice and information:
Request useful guidance – for example, on your contracts – and any other information you may need.
- Get involved:
Take part in the organisation’s activities, training sessions, meetings and general assembly.
- Ask for support:
Check whether the organisation offers any grants, prizes or other forms of support for its members.
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