Collective Management Organisations

Also known as: Collecting Societies, Collective Rights Management, MESAM, MSG, Meslek Birlikleri, LIAW Article 42

In short

Organisations that collectively manage the economic rights of authors and related right holders, granting licences to users, collecting royalties and distributing them to right holders.

Collective management organisations act as intermediaries between right holders and users in areas where obtaining individual permissions is impractical. Under LIAW Article 42, authors and related right holders may form collective management organisations by category of work to protect their common interests and manage their rights. They are supervised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

What They Do

Grant licences to users under authority from their members
Set tariffs and collect royalties
Distribute collected fees to members
Take legal action against unauthorised use

Main Areas

Musical works: Lyricists and composers (e.g. MESAM, MSG)
Related rights: Performers and phonogram producers (e.g. MÜYORBİR, MÜYAP)
Film and television: Directors, screenwriters and film producers
Literature and fine arts: Authors, translators and visual artists

For Businesses

Hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, gyms and similar businesses, as well as broadcasters and digital platforms, must contract with collective management organisations to use music and audiovisual content. Organisations representing authors and those representing related right holders may each require a licence. Unlicensed use can lead to claims of up to three times the fee under LIAW Article 68 and criminal investigation.

Challenging Tariffs

Tariffs and claims are not unlimited. Users may ask the organisation to document which repertoire and which right a claim is based on, and tariff disputes can be brought before the courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a licence needed to play music in a café or shop?

Yes. Playing music in a place open to the public involves the rights of communication and performance. Licences are needed from organisations representing both authors and performers and phonogram producers.

Does a collective management organisation represent all works?

No. It can only manage the works and rights its members have authorised. Before taking a licence, check that the organisation represents the relevant repertoire and rights.

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