Hans Bouwens alias George Baker
“That was the best start you could wish for as a songwriter”
SUISA member Hans Bouwens has created world hits - and yet he is hardly known. A conversation with the Dutch …
Invitation for applications
Apply for the Montreux Songwriting Camp
SUISA, Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation and Pro Helvetia are jointly launching the Montreux Songwriting Camp. Applications are open until the …
The Artist’s Agreement compared with the Publishing Agreement
The economic producer (a label, for example) finances the production of sound recordings containing performances by p artists with the …
Social insurances
Are royalties subject to social security (AHV/AVS) contributions?
Do royalties qualify as earnings from self-employment? This depends on the individual case.
Setting to music
Whether they write choir music or a pop-song, composers are often inspired by an existing text which they want to …
Non-theatrical or dramatico-musical
Small rights and grand rights: who does what?
If there is one matter that regularly triggers heated debate, it is the distinction between small rights and grand rights. …
Beny Rehmann’s Evergreens live on
Beny Rehmann, popular Swiss trumpeter, band leader and composer, died last December aged 78. His evergreens such as the “Schiffsfeger-Polka”, …
Use of music in audiovisual projects
Purportedly “free” music
Many people browse the internet looking for music to use in their audiovisual projects. Sometimes, the music offered is designated …
Publishing agreements: What do I need to consider?
Publishing agreements in Switzerland are governed by the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) The respective statutory provisions on it are, …
Invoicing licence fees for background music and TV reception in businesses as of 2019
Businesses that play background music on their premises or show broadcasts on screens are required to pay licence fees in …
#SUISA100
How Switzerland learned to rock’n’roll
How and when did rock’n’roll reach Switzerland? What traces did the rebellious music from America leave behind? Who was the …
SUISA Board of Directors
News from the Board meetings in September 2025
In September, the SUISA committees dealt with important decisions for the direction in the year ahead. The focus was on …
Copyright licence fee for concerts
If bands and event promoters organise a concert together
The event organiser of a concert has to pay the copyright licence fee. How does it affect the legal situation, …
Toni Vescoli: A year full of vitality and anniversaries
Toni Vescoli was born on 18th July, 75 years ago. 55 years ago, on 19th September, the musician from Zurich …
Licence from SUISA
Music in companies: What to bear in mind
Music plays an important role in many businesses. It creates a pleasant atmosphere for customers, guests, and employees, it enhances …
plus video
Common Tariff 3a: A hundred thousand new SUISA business customers
With regards to Common Tariff 3a (CT 3a), SUISA has been managing all customers directly again since 01 January 2019. …
SUISA Board of Directors
News from the last board meetings
SUISA is navigating towards challenges in many different directions. It is facing changes that concern the organisation itself, its location …
Third party content on your own website must be paid for pursuant to Swiss legislation
If you operate a website, you cannot dispose of the copyright of third party contents without authorisation. If you use …
Corporate events
Corporate events with music: what and how much is payable in licence fees?
Christmas dinners, team events and New Years’ cocktail parties – winter is the peak season for corporate events. If music …
Public viewing events
Public viewing during the ESC or the European Women’s Football Championships
Two major events are taking place in Switzerland this year: the Eurovision Song Contest and the European Women’s Football Championship. …
AI and music
Council of States sets an important sign for creators
Swisscopyright is a coalition of the five Swiss collective management organisations. It acts as an advocate for copyright and neighbouring …