Equitable Remuneration in Canada
How it works
Royalty rates payable by users of sound recordings are set by the Copyright Board. Tariffs cover different uses and different categories of users.
Generally, users have the obligation to provide lists of all sound recordings broadcast via their respective service and, consequently, royalties are paid to rights owners according to actual usage.
Sound recordings and eligible makers
To qualify under the equitable remuneration regime, a sound recording must have been published. The maker of the sound recording must also be Canadian - or from a country party to the Rome Convention or the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) - or fixed in Canada or in a signatory country of one of these acts. For more details, follow the link to the Copyright Act section 20 (1.1).
Equitable Remuneration
- Copyright Board
Sets tariffs for use of music - RE:SOUND
Perception of user fees
Processing of broadcast logs
Production of distribution files - Soproq
Repertoire and claims management
Tracking unpaid broadcasts
Conflict resolution
Distribution to members - Members
List of tariffs
| Tariffs | Description |
|---|---|
| 1A – Commercial Radio | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid each month by commercial radio stations for the communication to the public by telecommunication of published sound recordings embodying musical works, by over-the-air broadcasting and simulcasting. |
| 1B – Non-Commercial Radio other than the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid by non-commercial radio stations (i.e. a radio station owned and operated by a not-for-profit organization, including any campus station, community station, native or ethnic station) for the communication to the public by telecommunication of published sound recordings embodying musical works, by over-the-air radio broadcasting. |
| 1C – Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Radio | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid by the CBC for the communication to the public by telecommunication of published sound recordings embodying musical works, by over-the-air radio broadcasting and simulcasting. |
| 2 – Pay Audio Services | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid for the communication to the public by telecommunication of published sound recordings embodying musical works, in connection with the transmission by a distribution undertaking of a pay audio signal, including a simultaneous transmission. |
| 3A – Background Music Suppliers | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid by a background music supplier for the communication to the public by telecommunication of recorded music and for the authorization of a subscriber to perform in public recorded music supplied by the background music supplier, including any use of such recorded music with a telephone on hold. |
| 3B – Background Music | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid for the performance in public or the communication to the public by telecommunication of recorded music in an establishment, including any use of such recorded music with a telephone on hold. |
| 4 - Satellite Radio Services | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid each month by a service to communicate to the public by telecommunication, published sound recordings embodying musical works, in connection with the operation of the service, for direct reception by subscribers for their private use, and including simultaneous transmission. |
| 5A to K - Use of Music to Accompany Live Events | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid for the performance in public or the communication to the public by telecommunication of published sound recordings embodying musical works as part of live entertainment in cafes, clubs, cabarets, taverns and such; of events at receptions, conventions, fashion shows and such; by means of karaoke machines at bars and such; at festivals, exhibitions, fairs, circuses, ice shows, fireworks displays, parades and such; and in public areas. |
| 6A – Use of Recorded Music to Accompany Dance | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid for the performance in public or the communication to the public by telecommunication of published sound recordings embodying musical works in any indoor or outdoor venue, including nightclubs, dance clubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, halls, clubs, schools and campuses, for the purposes of dancing and any similar activity. |
| 6B – Use of Recorded Music to Accompany Fitness Activities | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid for the performance in public or the communication to the public by telecommunication of published sound recordings embodying musical works in all areas within a fitness venue and skating and to accompany a fitness activity including fitness classes and dance classes. |
| 6C – Use of Recorded Music to Accompany Adult Entertainment | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid for the performance in public or the communication to the public by telecommunication of published sound recordings embodying musical works to accompany adult entertainment including an adult entertainment club, nightclub, dance club, bar or hotel. |
| 8 - Non-Interactive and Semi-Interactive Webcasts | This tariff sets the royalties to be paid by a webcaster for the communication to the public by telecommunication of published sound recordings embodying musical works, other than:
|