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Domestic uses

Depending on how your works are used, the relevant licence for the type of use will be applied (collection). Once the user has paid the invoice, the proceeds will be distributed net of our administration fees and the deductions for the foundations.

How do I collect my money?

SUISA applies two different types of distribution:

  • On the one hand, royalties are assigned and distributed to the works actually used, i.e. to the rightholders of the works used.
  • On the other, royalties from different users are pooled together and distributed to the works in the corresponding usage area. In this case, distribution is based on a points system weighted by works. 

We also apply flat rate fees for certain types of uses. Such fee revenue is not distributed on a works basis, but is disbursed to members and sister societies pro rata their previous revenues.

When will I receive my royalties?                                          

If everything runs smoothly, from work registration to reporting of uses, collection and distribution, you will receive your share of the remuneration at the earliest six months after the use. 

Why haven’t I received any money?

There could be a number of reasons. It is important to register your works with SUISA promptly (preferably before the first use). Other reasons depend on the type of use and are explained in the following section.

How can I collect my money just the same?

Please check whether we follow a pro-work or flat-rate distribution, or if the distribution is made as a supplemental payment. In principle, you can report missing remuneration to us up to 18 months after the use. Our staff will take the necessary steps to account the missing remuneration retrospectively. For inquiries, please contact claims@suisa.ch.

How is my share made up?

The amount of the settlement payment depends on various factors and varies - sometimes quite significantly -  depending on the tariff and distribution category. Your percentage participation in a work is decisive for the amount of your share.

  • Concerts and circus performances

    Make sure you communicate the programme of the music you play to the organiser with all the necessary indications. As soon as the organiser registers the event and pays the fee, the fees collected for the programme can be distributed. The prerequisite is that your works must be registered and recorded with SUISA.

    Remuneration for concerts is settled quarterly on the 15th of the last month of each quarter (March, June, September, December).

    (Distribution category 4 / Tariffs D, CT K and CT Z )

  • Radio / TV broadcasts (without advertising)

    Royalties are distributed relying on the uses reported in the monitoring systems and on the broadcasters’ programme reporting.

    The amount of the remuneration depends on the licensed amount per broadcaster and the calculation factor for the broadcast specified in the Distribution Rules. The funds collected are then distributed with a points-based system across all the works broadcast and reported during the period.

    SBC uses are settled quarterly on the 15th of the last month of the quarter (March, June, September, December). Private broadcast settlements are made once a year on 15 June.

    The fee per SBC radio and TV broadcast is published in the annual report, on the Performance and Broadcasting Rights page. The list of point values for private radio and TV broadcasters can be found further below. 

    (Distribution categories 1A and 1B, 2A and 2B / Tariff A and CT S) )

  • Music monitoring for clubs and discos

    Distribution is based on a static random testing concept implemented through a music monitoring system based on hit boxes. The recordings in the hit boxes serve as the distribution basis. Hit boxes have been installed in clubs and discos around the country based on statistical parameters which take into account all the language regions, the very different music styles, and the fees paid by the individual clubs. The hit boxes keep track of the songs played and compare the collected data with a song database through an audio fingerprint system. A weighting method developed by Zurich University ensures representative random sampling and equitable distribution to the rightholders.

    Like for all other tariffs and distribution categories, the works used must be registered and recorded with us.

    The royalties are included in our 15 June settlement statement. (Distribution category 12B / Tariffs CT H and CT Hb, revenues from music recordings)

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  • Music played at dance and entertainment events (e.g. in restaurants) / Live music

    Once a year, the funds collected over the whole year are computed based on all the programmes filed. This leads to a points distribution which is included in our 15 June quarterly settlement statement.

    You may view the points value list of past years further below.

    (Distribution categories 12A & 4 / Tariffs CT H and CT Hb)

  • Church performances, choirs, brass bands, 
    Yodelling clubs

    The umbrella organisations for churches, choirs, brass bands and yodelling clubs report the uses declared to them by their members throughout the year to SUISA once a year.

    Once a year, the funds collected over the whole year will be assigned to the distribution categories based on all the programmes filed. This leads to a points distribution which is included in our 15 June quarterly settlement statement.

    You may view the points value list of past years here at the end of the page. 

    (Distribution categories 5-8 / Tariffs B and CT C)

  • Cinemas

    Distribution is based on the organisers (cinemas, festivals, etc.) programme reporting.

    Once a year, the funds collected over the whole year will be assigned to the distribution categories based on all the programmes filed. This leads to a points distribution which is included in our 15 June quarterly settlement statement.
    Screenings of films in cinemas (DC 9A), screenings of advertising films in cinemas (DC 9B), screenings of audiovisual carriers outside cinemas with revenues of over CHF 200 per audiovisual carrier (DC 9C), screenings of audiovisual carriers outside cinemas with revenues of up to CHF 200 per audiovisual carrier (DC 9D).

    (Distribution categories 9A - 9D / Tariff CT E)

  • Sound recordings

    Please make sure that you have registered all the works contained in the sound recording with us. As soon as the label registers the sound recording with us and pays the licence fees, the entire amount less the commissions (7.325% for contract clients / 15% for customers without a contract) will be distributed to all the entitled parties with the next settlement. 

    Remuneration for sound recordings is settled quarterly on the 15th of the last month of the quarter (March, June, September, December).

    (Distribution category 21 / Tariffs PA, PI and PN)

  • Audiovisual recordings

    Please make sure that you have registered all the works contained in the audiovisual recording with us. As soon as the label registers the audiovisual recording with us and pays the licence fees, the entire amount less the commissions (7.325% for contract clients / 15% for customers without a contract) will be distributed to all the entitled parties with the next settlement. 

    Remuneration for audiovisual recordings is settled quarterly on the 15th of the last month of the quarter (March, June, September, December).

    (Distribution category 22 / Tariffs VI and VN)

  • Advertising

    The distribution is based on the advertising agents programme reporting. 

    The royalties depend on the licensed amount per broadcaster. Once a year, the funds collected over the whole year will be assigned to the distribution categories based on all the programmes filed. This leads to a points distribution which is included in our 15 June quarterly settlement statement.

    (Distribution categories 1E & 2 F / Tariffs A and CT S)

  • Films

    The amount of the remuneration depends on the licensed amount per broadcaster and the calculation factor for the broadcast specified. The funds collected are then distributed with a points-based system across all the works broadcast and reported during the period.

    SBC uses are settled quarterly on the 15th of the last month of the quarter (March, June, September, December). Private broadcast settlements are made once a year on 15 June.

    The fee per SBC radio and TV broadcast is published in the annual report, on the Performance and Broadcasting Rights page. The list of point values for private radio and TV broadcasters is here: https://www.suisa.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/mitglieder/urheber/Nach_Programm_abgerechnete_Privatsender_pro_2019.pdf

    (Distribution categories1C and 1D, 2C and 2D / Tariff A and CT S)