Adapting protected works
Under copyright law, a work is protected (copyright work) for 70 years following the death of the composer or lyricist. If you want to adapt a protected work, you must obtain written permission before performing or publishing it.
An adaption could be
- if you are adding a new arangement
- if the work is being rearranged
- if the work receives a new, reimagined or translated lyrics
- if the work gets a new title
- if the work incorporates samples from existing recordings.
How can Koda assist you?
We are happy to provide information on where you may apply for permission. Typically, permission can be sought from the rights holder's publisher if any. If you are unsure which publisher to contact, feel free to reach out to Koda's Member Service at [email protected] or search for information about the work in our database.
Search for works in Koda's work database
If there is no publisher associated with the work, you must contact the creator or their heir directly. Due to personal data protection regulations, we cannot disclose our members' contact information. Therefore, we assist by forwarding requests to composers and songwriters for special use of their works or adaptations.
Once you have received your permission
Please ensure you have an agreement with the rights holder regarding the division of shares to the work, including the extent of such shares. This documentation is required for us to register the shares on your behalf.
Consequently, please send the division agreement to [email protected] and register the work at My Koda. Without this documentation, your version or arrangement cannot be registered.
Arranger and translator share
For arrangements and translations, the maximum share is 16.67 percent when it concerns a Danish work. If it involves both arrangement and translation, the arranger and translator share the maximum share of 16.67 percent. If it is an arrangement of a foreign work, the arranger's share depends on the rules of the foreign rights holders' Performing Rights Organization.
Please note that if we receive a registration of an arrangement or an adaption without written permission, the work will not be registered.
Do you have any questions?
Contact Member Services. We are available on the phones from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm, and Friday until 3 pm. Call 33 30 63 20 or send us an email at [email protected]
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