SGAE, which stands for Sociedad General de Autores y Editores, is a Spanish collective rights management organization that handles the administration and protection of copyright for the authors, composers, and publishers of musical works. It was established in 1899 and is one of the oldest and most prominent rights management societies in Spain.
SGAE's primary objective is to safeguard the intellectual property rights of its members and ensure they receive fair compensation for the use and exploitation of their creative works. The organization operates by granting licenses and collecting royalties on behalf of its members whenever their music is performed, broadcasted, distributed, or reproduced in any form. These rights extend to public performances, recordings, concerts, broadcasts, and digital distribution platforms.
Through its comprehensive database, SGAE keeps track of the usage and popularity of copyrighted music, enabling it to effectively distribute the collected royalties to the appropriate authors, composers, and publishers. The organization also promotes cultural events, workshops, and exhibits, aiming to raise awareness about copyright protection and foster creativity among its members.
SGAE plays a crucial role in the Spanish music industry, acting as an intermediary between copyright holders and those who wish to exploit their works, such as broadcasters, concert organizers, and music streaming platforms. Its extensive network of agreements and collaborations with international counterpart organizations allows for the protection and licensing of Spanish music worldwide.
Overall, SGAE ensures that musical creators receive fair recognition and economic compensation for their artistic endeavors while contributing to the growth and development of the music industry in Spain.
