Full self-management of categories
Due to legislation introduced in 2016, the rights to your music are divided into different categories, and you have the option of only letting Koda manage some of these categories.
Before 2016, it was such that when you transferred your rights for management to Koda, you gave Koda the mandate to handle all your rights for all your musical works, across the individual parts of the rights - what we call "categories of rights".
Due to EU legislation changes, members now have the option to retain a category of rights. This allows you to either manage the rights yourself or delegate them to another entity, such as a different collective management organization.
What categories are being discussed?
Koda's board has established six categories of rights that can be managed within Koda's existing systems for work registration and distribution. It is not possible to withdraw management at the individual work level or for works from a specific publisher. The six categories are:
- Recordings on audio media
‘Phono-mechanical’, for example use of music on CD and vinyl releases. - Recordings on audio-visual media
‘AV-mechanical”, for example use of music in DVD releases and games - Synchronising
Synchronisation involves using music in ways where audio content and moving pictures are combined – i.e. when the music is incorporated into a film or TV programme. - Standard public performance
Examples include the use of music at concerts and when screening films at cinemas. This category also includes background music. - Broadcasts on radio and TV
Examples include the use of music in programmes on radio and TV stations broadcasting out of Denmark, and redistribution of radio and TV shows. This category also includes cable TV and retransmission.
Please note that extended collective licences (‘aftalelicens’) apply to certain stations, such as National tv DR and TV2. (see below) - Online
Examples include the use of music on streaming services.
Areas with collective licensing agreements - exception to the rule
If you want your works within one or more of the categories listed above to be managed by someone other than Koda, they will no longer fall within the scope of Koda’s agreements, which means that you will not receive distributions from Koda for those categories.
However, this does not apply to areas that are subject to so-called extended collective licences (aftalelicens). Where there is an extended collective licence, Koda can enter into agreements on behalf of all music creators. Extended collective licences apply to Koda’s agreements with Danish broadcasters DR, TV2, TV2 regions and to distribution via cable and online.
Notification deadline
If you wish to withdraw categories from Koda’s management, you must do so by giving six months’ notice to the end of a calendar year. For example: if you wish to withdraw a given category from Koda’s management as of 1 January 2026, you must notify Koda of this decision no later than 30 June 2025.
If your music is used during the notice period you will, of course, receive the same distributions from Koda as always. You can also still monitor how your works have been used and submit complaints if you believe something needs correction.
Questions about self-management?
If you are uncertain about the available options or what steps to take, you can reach out to Koda's legal specialist consultant.
Send an email