Musicians and copyright: A history of collective rights management in the music industry - Hardcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Véronique Pouillard is Professor of Modern International History at the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History, University of Oslo

Marius Buning is Professor of European History at the University of Oslo

Mala Loth is a postdoctoral fellow at ARENA Centre for European Studies at the University of Oslo

Von der hinteren Coverseite

Musicians and copyright explores the evolution of collective management organisations (CMOs) from the nineteenth century to the present day, shedding light on their central role in securing copyright revenues for artists and the broader music industry. It examines how CMOs have influenced copyright law and on cultural production across different times and places.

Through detailed historical analysis, the volume traces how these organisations responded to major developments - from colonial contexts and European integration to the rise of digital technologies. It highlights key issues such as membership policies, classification systems, language barriers and practices of registration and distribution. Through this lens, the book examines how CMOs have managed internal tensions while also confronting external pressures from changing regulations, market shifts and technological innovation.

By examining the institutional infrastructure and social dynamics of CMOs, Musicians and copyright offers new insights into how these organisations have shaped not only the distribution of copyright revenues but also the accessibility and circulation of music itself. A vital resource for scholars of music, intellectual property and the cultural industries, this book provides a deeper understanding of the institutions that continue to influence musical creation and access across the globe.