Musicians and Copyright

[Final]
Musicians and copyright explores the evolution of collective management organizations (CMOs) from the nineteenth century to the present day, shedding light on their central role in securing copyright revenues for artists and the broader music industry. It examines how CMOs have influenced copyright law and on cultural production across different times and places.
Through detailed historical analysis, the volume traces how these organizations responded to major developments- from colonial contexts and European integration to the rise of digital technologies. It highlights key issues such as membership policies, classification systems, language barriers, and practices of registration and distribution. Through this lens, the book examines how CMOs have managed internal tensions while also confronting external pressures from changing regulations, market shifts, and technological innovation.
By examining the institutional infrastructure and social dynamics of CMOs, Musicians and copyright offers new insights into how these organizations have shaped not only the distribution of copyright revenues but also the accessibility and circulation of music itself. A vital resource for scholars of music, intellectual property, and the cultural industries, this book provides a deeper understanding of the institutions that continue to influence musical creation and access across the globe.

Véronique Pouillard is Professor of Modern International History at the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History, University of Oslo

Marius Buning is an Associate Professor in Early Modern History at the University of Oslo

Mala Loth is a senior researcher at the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History at the University of Oslo