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Do IMRO administer Grand Rights?

Written by Press Officer on .

No. IMRO does not generally administer what are known as Grand Rights — these usually cover the performance of dramatico-musical works (such as operas, operettas, musicals, revues, or pantomimes written specifically as such) and ballets (choreographic works with a story, plot, or abstract idea, performed through dance or mime).

However, IMRO does administer these rights in certain cases, including:

  • When dramatico-musical works or ballets are performed via films made primarily for cinema release, including TV broadcasts of such films.
  • When such works are performed in public by means of radio or TV sets (e.g., in hotels, pubs, or public venues).
  • TV broadcasts of short ballets (up to five minutes) written for television, or excerpts from existing ballets.

Excerpts from dramatico-musical works:

  • Dramatic excerpts are generally controlled by the copyright owner (unless IMRO is authorised to license certain broadcasts).
  • Non-dramatic excerpts are controlled by IMRO if they meet specific limits:
    • Public performances: up to 25 minutes, not a complete act or condensed version.
    • Television: up to 20 minutes.
    • Radio: up to 25 minutes or 25% of the full work, whichever is less.

Other exclusions:

  • Public performances (but not broadcasts) of music for son-et-lumière productions or dramatic theatre productions when used in conjunction with the production.
  • In some cases, words written specifically for commercial advertisements.

Note:

  • Non-dramatic excerpts exceeding these limits must be licensed directly by the copyright owner.
  • Ballet music (complete or excerpt) is controlled by IMRO when not accompanied by a visual ballet performance.
  • If a specially written dramatico-musical work begins as a film, broadcast, or recording and is later adapted to the stage, IMRO does not control the stage performance.