Compositions and lyrics belong to their authors. Whoever publishes, reproduces, performs, broadcasts or otherwise disseminates a work requires the author’s consent.
Concert organisers, record producers, radio and television broadcasting stations, clubs and restaurants have to pay royalties. Since it is not possible for every user to negotiate with each individual author, SUISA grants users licences on the authors’ behalf for the use of music in Switzerland and in Liechtenstein.
Private use is not subject to royalties. Private use includes private birthday parties and weddings, for example, but not office and club gatherings, school performances or background music in shopping centres.
If you want to know whether a work is protected, how much a licence costs and which uses are exempt from royalties, SUISA will provide the information free of charge.
