Glossary A–ZLetter G
GEMA
GEMA is the German collecting society that manages the rights of composers, lyricists and music publishers and collects fees for the use of their music.
Anyone who plays music from its repertoire in public must register this and pay for it.
GEMA becomes relevant for screens as soon as sound is involved: a product film with music, a television channel in a waiting area or a music playlist alongside the screen. GEMA has different tariffs for this, depending on whether an in-house screen programme, television or background music is played. A screen without sound raises no question about music.
GEMA only represents the rights in the music. Rights in images and films are not covered; anyone showing someone else's film needs separate permission. Purchased music or films are not automatically licensed for public playback either. Whether playback is public depends, among other things, on who has access to the room. Before using sound, operators should establish which music is included and, if in doubt, ask GEMA.