Providing information about music copyright

Buma/Stemra provides information to the public, the authorities, and the business community about the importance of copyright and the promotion of Dutch music. Together with other copyright organisations, we have set up the Stichting Auteursrechtbelangen (the Copyright Interests Foundation, Starbel for short). Starbel has in turn set up a separate organisation for providing information within the education sector, Stichting Auteursrecht Manifestaties (the Events Copyright Foundation, STAM).

The battle against piracy and illegal copying

Copyright only works if people who violate the copyright laws are tracked down and prosecuted. This is why Stichting BREIN (the BREIN Foundation) was set up in April 1998. The BREIN Foundation formalises the cooperation between the holders of copyright and neighbouring rights, which has been in existence for decades, for fighting piracy involving audio, film, video, and interactive software. The BREIN Foundation combats intellectual property fraud on behalf of the authors, performing artists, publishers, producers and distributors. The foundation investigates piracy (both online and offline), takes civil actions and provides information and expertise for criminal actions by the FIOD-ECD (the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service – Economic Inspection Service). In addition, BREIN provides information for the media, politics, and the general public.

Plagiarism

Imagine that one music author accuses another of plagiarism. In that case there may be a question of violation of moral rights. In principle, Buma/Stemra does not intervene in this field. However, our members can turn to us in the event of disputes about plagiarism. We have set up a permanent committee for this, the Vaste Commissie Plagiaat (VCP, the standing committee for plagiarism). The committee consists of music experts and lawyers and assesses disputes between music authors who are members of our organisations. The advice given by the VCP is not binding, but judges often follow it.

Cultural and social support

Buma/Stemra provides social and cultural support for music authors.

Sociaal Fonds Buma (the Buma social fund)

Music authors who are in financial difficulty can appeal to the Sociaal Fonds Buma. They can take out a loan or in extreme cases have debts restructured, or receive a donation or a transitional payment. It is important that the assistance offered should also produce a structural solution.

In addition, the Buma social fund has new pension fund arrangements for music authors who are members of Buma. Above a certain threshold, a sum is paid annually into a pension scheme. This pension is payable when the pensionable age is reached. The scheme has been outsourced to Kunst & Cultuur (a Dutch organisation for pensions and insurance).

The Buma social fund also organises the SFB Lounge, an opportunity for music authors and publishers aged sixty and above to meet each other regularly.

Buma Cultuur

Buma/Stemra makes efforts to promote Dutch music as a product by organising, financing, and subsidising numerous events. These activities are handled by Buma Cultuur. This helps to focus attention on Dutch music productions both nationally and internationally, which in turn helps music authors improve their sales.

Buma Cultuur stopped granting project subsidies in September 2006.