Collective rights management

Collective rights management is the licensing of copyright and related rights by organisations acting on behalf of rights owners.^[1] Collective management organisations (CMOs), sometimes also referred to as collecting societies, typically represent groups of copyright and related rights owners, i.e.; authors (such as writers, composers, painters and photographers), performers (such as musicians, actors and dancers), publishers, phonogram producers, film producers and other rights holders.^[2] At the least, rights holders authorize collective rights management organizations to monitor the use of their works, negotiate licenses with prospective users, document correct right management data and information, collect remuneration for use of copyrighted works, ensuring a fair distribution of such remuneration amongst rightsholders.^[3] CMOs also act on legal mandates. Governmental supervision varies across jurisdictions.