Update of research into private copying levies

Dialogic has carried out a concise update, commissioned by the Stichting Onderhandelingen Thuiskopie (SONT), of an earlier study we conducted into the extent of the damage caused by private copying. Consumers are permitted to make a copy of copyright- and related rights-protected works (from a legal source) for their own practice, study and use. This is referred to as a private copy and is provided for in the Dutch Copyright Act and the Dutch Neighbouring Rights Act. Copyright holders and holders of related rights are compensated for this through an indirect payment: the private copying levy. This concerns copyright and related rights holders for all types of audio, audiovisual works, written works and visual works. The levies are paid when purchasing storage media, and are collected and distributed by Stichting de Thuiskopie. The level of the levies is determined by the Stichting Onderhandelingen Thuiskopie (SONT). The level of compensation for private copying must be ‘fair’ and related to the damage suffered by rights holders as a result of copying for private use. Commissioned by SONT, Dialogic conducted a study into this damage in 2023, for the purpose of revising the rates. Visit the SONT website for further information on the private copying levy and our studies.