Norwegian rightsholders

Norwegian rightsholders receive all or part of the remuneration for the following categories:

• Norwegian material (both the authors' and publishers' share)
• Translated material (publishers' share and half the authors' share)
• Norwegian publications by foreign authors (publishers' share)
• Norwegian authors published abroad (authors' share)

Translated material and works by foreign authors published in Norway
When distributing remuneration for these categories, the share of the remuneration destined for Norwegian publishers is equal to the publishers' share they receive for Norwegian works. Further distribution among the Norwegian publishers' organisations shall be the same as for Norwegian material. For translated material, the authors' share is divided in two, with half the amount being paid to the Norwegian rightsholder and the other half to the foreign rightsholder.

Works by Norwegian authors published abroad
When distributing remuneration for this category, the share that goes to Norwegian rightsholders is the same as they would receive for Norwegian works. The further distribution among the Norwegian authors' organisations shall be the same as for Norwegian works.

Payment of remuneration. Principles and procedures

Each year, Kopinor makes quarterly payments through so-called "distribution letters" to its member organisations. The quarterly disbursement dates are approximately 1 April, 1 July, 1 October and 15 December. Disbursements to member organisations include interest accrued by Kopinor. The calculation of interest cannot take place until after the last regular payment is made on about 15 December each year. Interest and any remuneration received after that date, are usually settled in April and paid out on the basis of an additional and final distribution letter in April the following year.

The Norwegian member organisations' use of the remuneration

The remuneration disbursed by Kopinor is usually further distributed by member organisations for example in the form of

• grants,
• as compensation for lost sales to publishers
• and to finance measures aimed at an entire group of rightsholders.

A survey conducted in 1995 shows that more than 80% of the remuneration was channelled back to the rightsholders individually.