Nordisk Copyright Bureau
Music on video, film, DVD-video
- karaoke productions
You have to obtain a licence from NCB in order to record, manufacture and distribute karaoke productions - irrespective of media.
NCB's licence does not include the graphic rigths (the lyrics shown during playback of the music). You have to obtain this licence from the relevant rights owners - quite often from the music publisher.
However, until the end of 2010 NCB administers the graphic rights in Swedish-owned music. Swedish-owned music also includes foreign music that is administered by Swedish music publishers.
To apply for a licence you must use our electronic application form which you will find on this link: web application form
The below prices and terms apply only to karaoke productions that are manufactured with a veiw to sale or rental for private use.
Prices
You have to pay a mechanical fee for each copy manufactured. The mechanical fee covers a total playing time of up to 80 minutes and a maximum number of songs of 20. If the playing time or maximum number of songs is exceeded, the mechanical fee will be increased proportionally.
The figures in brackets are the royalty rate that applies if NCB administers the graphic rights.
- Sale through retailers
For each copy supplied you have to pay 9.009% (13.51%) of your highest list price (exclusive of VAT) to retail outlets - however, it can never be lower than applicable minimum rates (see below). - Sale direct to consumers
For each copy supplied you have to pay 7.4% (11.1%) of your highest price (exclusive of VAT) to consumer - however, it can never be lower than applicable minimum rates (see below) - Rental for privat use
For each copy you have to pay 5 times the applicable minimum rate (se below).
Minimum rates
The minimum rates are the lowest royalty amount you must pay for each copy. Minimum rates automatically apply if calculation of the NCB royalty results in an amount lower than the minimum rates. This provision also applies to copies distributed free of charge (as there is no selling price as basis for the royalty calculation).
The rates will be adjusted annually as per 1 January.
Applicable minimum rate (as of 1 January 2010) is DKK 4.48 (DKK 6.72) per CD or DVD copy.
Irrespective of the royalty calculation the minimum charge on any NCB invoice is DKK 500.00.
Synchronisation fee
If your production contains images combined with the music, you must pay a synchonisation fee in addition to the mechanical fee.
The synchronisation fee is a fixed amount of DKK 3.54 per second of NCB protected music.
If you only use a single still image during playback of the music, no synchronisation fee will be charged.
