Which are the most important usage categories?

GEMA administers central copyright usage rights on behalf of its members, as set forth in the licensing agreement. Among the most important are:  

• the right of public performance for live performances  
• the right of broadcast for radio and television 
• the right of mechanical reproduction and distribution for sound and audiovisual recordings 
• the right of making available to the public (e.g., streaming and downloads) 
• the right to screen films and, to a limited extent, the right to produce films 
• the public broadcast of programs as well as sound and audiovisual recordings 
• special forms of use, such as use as a ringtone  
• statutory remuneration claims, such as levies on devices and blank media

Which rights GEMA administers in individual cases depends on the rights granted in the licensing agreement.