The Federal Copyright Law of 1992 constitutes the legal basis for the protection of literary and artistic works. It also governs what are known as “neighbouring rights”, i.e. the rights of performers, record producers and broadcasting companies. The Copyright Law regulates the rights and obligations of the five collective administration societies. Pursuant to the Law, SUISA is responsible for the rights of composers, lyricists and publishers of music, and collects royalties in a fiduciary capacity on their behalf.
The Copyright Law stipulates that every musical work of an individual nature is automatically protected. Joining SUISA is advisable as soon as a work is publicly used. SUISA members are required to declare any new works promptly.
