Dagelijks gebruik 01
  1. Home

Licences

Do you play music during your event, in your business or in the workplace? Then you need a licence. You can also obtain a licence from Unisono if it concerns a film screening or theatre performance, a public lecture, a literary exhibition or the reproduction of a work of art, CD or DVD.

Frequently asked questions

  • I have rented a music band for a party. Do I have to pay Unisono?

    Yes, but you will only have to pay copyright royalties for the authors, composers and publishers. You will not have to pay the Fair Remuneration for the performing artists and music producers. You only have to pay the latter if you play recorded music in your business or during your event, not for live music.

    This means that if you play recorded music before or after the performance by the music band, you will have to pay the Fair Remuneration.

  • Do I have to pay Unisono if I use music from the ‘public domain’?

    Music from the public domain:

    • music of which the authors and composers passed away more than 70 years ago;
    • and of which the recording is more than 70 years old.

    If both conditions are met, you don’t have to pay Unisono. If not, you will have to pay copyright royalties and/or the Fair Remuneration to Unisono.

  • If I close my business for at least 3 months, Unisono reimburses me part of the Fair Remuneration. However, to be reimbursed part of the copyright royalties, my business has to be closed for at least 6 months. Why is this?

    We understand this may be confusing, but you have to realise that Sabam and the Fair Remuneration operated completely independently of each other until the end of 2019, so not all rate conditions and practical arrangements have already been aligned.

  • What is Unisono?

    Unisono is the single platform that Sabam, PlayRight and SIMIM have set up together. From 1 January 2020, this platform allows you to take care of your use of music, theatre works, audiovisual works, etc. quickly and easily in one central location and with one single licence and payment.  

  • Do I get a refund if I stop my activities?

    Yes, if you permanently cease your activities in the first six months of the calendar year, you are entitled to a refund of 50% of the fee paid for that same year. Be sure to apply for this refund via our contacform.

    In all other cases (e.g. you have only stopped using music or you have gone bankrupt), we cannot offer you a refund.

    Please note that any refund will apply to both the copyright royalties and the Fair Remuneration.

To FAQ