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FAQ

Major and minor rights, what does that mean?

Stim’s licensing covers what the music industry refers to as “minor rights”, for example when music from Stim’s repertoire is used in stage plays, smaller revue performances, stand-up shows, concerts, and similar events.

In contrast, the “major rights” refer to:

  • Musical dramatic works, i.e. works specifically composed for a performance with a dramatic element – a staged work such as an opera, operetta, musical, ballet, revue (certain types) – where the music helps drive the narrative forward.
  • Pre-existing works (works in Stim’s repertoire) used in a production with dramatic content, in such a way and context that it qualifies as a “major right”.

When it comes to performances involving “major rights,” it’s the rights holder (publisher and/or creator) who makes the agreement with the theatre/opera house/producer regarding compensation for the performance.

Exceptions to the general rule – where Stim may still issue a licence even though the work is considered a “major right”:

Musical drama (not dance performances)

  • Concert (live) with no dramatic elements, up to 5 songs, less than 25 minutes
  • TV broadcast (live or replay), excerpt under 20 minutes
  • Radio broadcast (live or replay), excerpt under 25 minutes
  • Livestreaming, excerpt under 20 minutes
  • VOD (video on demand) broadcast, excerpt under 20 minutes
  • On-demand radio broadcast, excerpt under 25 minutes
  • Copying to physical or digital format (DVD, CD, digital copy) – licensed by NCB
  • Feature film (film production with editing etc.) shown on TV/cinema/VOD, full version

Dance performance

  • Concert (live) without dance, full work
  • TV broadcast (live or replay), excerpt under 20 minutes
  • Radio broadcast (live or replay), excerpt under 25 minutes
  • Livestreaming, excerpt under 20 minutes
  • VOD broadcast, excerpt under 20 minutes
  • On-demand radio broadcast, excerpt under 25 minutes
  • Copying to physical or digital format (DVD, digital copy) – licensed by NCB
  • Feature film (film production with editing etc.) shown on TV/cinema/VOD, full version