General principles for distribution in TONO

Last amended at the Annual Meeting on 10 June 2025

Allocation of remuneration

TONO shall allocate and distribute remuneration collected for the use of works it represents.

Remuneration for performance, communication to the public (making available), and sound recording (fixation), which TONO, in accordance with its Articles of Association and Membership Agreement, shall pay to the rightsholders, shall be allocated in a reliable and accurate manner in accordance with the adopted allocation rules, and without undue delay. To the greatest extent possible, remuneration shall be allocated on an individual basis. Registered shares of works are used as the basis for distribution.

Allocation shall occur within clearly defined distribution areas that aim to:

    • Ensure that allocation reflects the actual usage of the rights represented by TONO,
    • Promote transparency in allocation principles, providing clarity,
    • Simplify the management of remuneration distribution and allocation.

The net amount available for allocation within each area shall be determined after deducting administrative costs and contributions to cultural and social funds.

Equal treatment

Equal usage and similar cases shall be treated equally, regardless of company affiliation, voting rights, membership in associations, or nationality.

Distribution based on actual usage

Remuneration shall, to the greatest extent possible, be allocated to rightsholders based on the actual nature and extent of the usage of the work, relying on complete reporting data. If the duration is unknown, the work’s playing time shall be used. If this is not known, the work’s playing time shall serve as the basis. In the absence of such data, a standard time shall be applied.

Representativity

Remuneration earned in a specific area shall be allocated within the same area. As a rule, the distribution basis shall rely on complete reporting of the music performed. In cases where it is impractical or disproportionately costly to obtain complete reporting data, one of the following methods may be applied:

    • A statistical sample may, in exceptional cases, be used if the sampled repertoire is deemed to provide a representative overview of the overall repertoire
    • Where no allocation data is available, analogies may be drawn based on allocation data from comparable music usage

Decisions regarding what constitutes representative reporting data, as well as any adjustments or adaptations to the allocation of such remuneration, are made by the Board of Directors, taking into account accuracy, cost-efficiency, and transparency. Factors considered representative may include the nature and extent of music usage or other parameters underlying the licensing process.