How are royalties for my works distributed and allocated in the physical music media sector?

Will I receive a work‑specific distribution even though no work numbers are provided during licensing?

Yes. The prerequisite is that the works are registered in good time. Distribution is carried out as a direct allocation: revenues are distributed directly, either

• pro rata temporis (according to playing time), or
• pro rata numeris (according to the number of musical items).

How are my works allocated after a physical sound carrier has been licensed?

When you report your manufacturing activity, you provide us with the EAN or GTIN for sales to retailers. Using this number, we can access databases such as Phononet or Discogs to obtain further information about the sound carrier – most importantly, the works it contains.

If we do not have the relevant information available or if we are unable to determine sufficient details – with or without an EAN/GTIN – we will contact you. 

Can I submit a claim for uses from 2025?

A claim can only be submitted once the distribution has taken place. We will announce the distribution date in our overview of distribution dates in spring 2026. The distribution is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.

How much can I expect my royalties to amount to under the new distribution model?

It is not possible to provide a precise figure, as this depends on several factors. However, we are aiming to achieve a distribution level similar to that under the previous model, while keeping the impact on individual rights holders as low as possible.