Good background music creates a pleasant atmosphere, and some research has even shown that it can make us more inclined to buy. So, it's understandable that we often encounter music in different places when shopping, eating out or playing sport and entertainment.
It is important to be aware that listening to music comes at a price, as live or machine-generated music in public places or at events is subject to royalty payments.
The basic idea behind copyright is that those who make public use of works to boost their own income should give a share of that income to the creator.
When you buy a phonogram, for example, you only buy the right for private use, and broadcasters only pay royalties for their own use, with each new use requiring a new licence. This rule is not specific to Hungary, it is part of the international copyright system.
OBLIGATION TO NOTIFY www.artisjus.hu
For more than 100 years, the Hungarian Copyright Office Artisjus has been the copyright manager in Hungary. For public use of music, you can register on the association's website and use an online calculator to calculate your monthly royalty.
This may depend on the location, size, type of business and a number of other parameters.
For example, an average restaurant with 100 seats in a county town might pay 18,000 HUF per month, while a smaller clothing shop with 50 square metres might pay 2,800 HUF per month.
For music events and concerts, the royalty is 9% of the net ticket revenue.
New, registered applicants benefit from significant discounts, but users who do not have a licence at the time of the check are already liable to pay the full price.
In addition, those who do not register voluntarily pay twice the price in the first quarter, called the cost-sharing.
The monitoring is carried out by Artisjus regional managers.
CONSCIOUS CHOICE OF MUSIC
Once you have to pay a fee, it makes sense to make a conscious choice that is best for your business.
There are a number of official backing music providers who can help you with sound technology and an up-to-date repertoire, in addition to music. For example, if your shop plays music by several Hungarian artists, you can get a discount on the royalty. You can find out more about these possibilities on the Artisjus website.
It is therefore worth taking care of your background music and its legal use, as it can be an important marketing tool for your business as well as a recurring expense!
More information: www.artisjus.hu www.zeneveljobb.hu