Work registration
Why are there provisional works in my works database?
Time and again, works are performed, broadcast or reproduced before they have been registered with SUISA. Such works are stored …
Popular tags
Invitation for applications
Apply for the Montreux Songwriting Camp
SUISA, Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation and Pro Helvetia are jointly launching the Montreux Songwriting Camp. Applications are open until the …
Interested Parties Information System
What is the IPI number?
It crops up again and again: the IPI number. The 11-digit number appears on every settlement statement. It must be …
Challenges
Artificial intelligence and copyright law
Artificial intelligence is undeniably a source of innovative opportunities. Technology is progressing at lightning speed, raising issues specifically for copyright …
AI and music
AI-generated songs and copyright law
The Velvet Sundown went viral overnight, becoming a new star – entirely generated by artificial intelligence – in the pop …
Invitation for applications
Take part in the SUISA 2025 Songwriting Camp: Apply now!
Are you a SUISA member or principal and ready for the challenge of writing pop songs together with other creative …
Collective rights management organisations
Switzerland
Swisscopyright
The website of the five Swiss collective rights management organisations →
Hans Bouwens alias George Baker
“That was the best start you could wish for as a songwriter”
SUISA member Hans Bouwens has created world hits - and yet he is hardly known. A conversation with the Dutch …
plus video
“079”: A tragicomic hit story
Lo & Leduc and their co-composer Maurice “Dr Mo” Könz have made history with “079”: Last year, the song stayed …
Arranging works protected by copyright
Musical works in the public domain can be arranged at will. But works which are still protected by copyright, i.e. …
Specific forms of arrangement
Sampling and Remixes
The articles about arrangements in the “Good to know” series have so far focused on “conventional” arrangements of musical works. …
#SUISA100
The “Ländler” originated in the city of Zurich
About a hundred years ago, Zurich became the centre of a new folk music scene. Here, it was mainly Central …
AI and music
Council of States sets an important sign for creators
Swisscopyright is a coalition of the five Swiss collective management organisations. It acts as an advocate for copyright and neighbouring …
Arrangement of works in the public domain
Before you start arranging musical works that are not protected by copyright, it is worth being aware of the legal …
Setting to music
Whether they write choir music or a pop-song, composers are often inspired by an existing text which they want to …
Adieu, great Jörg Schneider!
Without a doubt, Jörg Schneider was part of the most popular actors in Switzerland. He also directed films, lent his …
Toni Vescoli: A year full of vitality and anniversaries
Toni Vescoli was born on 18th July, 75 years ago. 55 years ago, on 19th September, the musician from Zurich …
Publishing agreements: What do I need to consider?
Publishing agreements in Switzerland are governed by the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) The respective statutory provisions on it are, …
Copyright licence fee for concerts
If bands and event promoters organise a concert together
The event organiser of a concert has to pay the copyright licence fee. How does it affect the legal situation, …
Licence from SUISA
Music in companies: What to bear in mind
Music plays an important role in many businesses. It creates a pleasant atmosphere for customers, guests, and employees, it enhances …
Non-theatrical or dramatico-musical
Small rights and grand rights: who does what?
If there is one matter that regularly triggers heated debate, it is the distinction between small rights and grand rights. …
Use of music in audiovisual projects
Purportedly “free” music
Many people browse the internet looking for music to use in their audiovisual projects. Sometimes, the music offered is designated …