Royalty and License Fee Disputes
In the age of intellectual property, royalties are the primary income source for authors and performers. However, cases where compensation for the use of a work is unpaid, miscalculated, or hidden are common. Royalty disputes arise between musicians, writers, programmers, and publishers, producers, or Collective Management Organizations (CMOs). In Georgia, where the culture of copyright protection is developing, recovering royalties is a complex legal process requiring deep knowledge of licensing, contracts, and legislation.
Legal.ge offers intellectual property law specialists who will help you receive your due royalties. We protect both individual authors and rights-holding companies. Our goal is to ensure fair compensation for your creative labor and restore violated contractual rights.
What Does Royalty Disputes Service Cover?
Our service covers all types of conflicts related to royalties:
- Audit and Calculation: Reviewing publisher or distributor financial reports to determine if royalties from sales were calculated correctly.
- Contractual Disputes: Resolving disputes arising from breach of license terms, non-payment, or delayed payment.
- Disputes with CMOs: Interacting and litigating with organizations (like GCA) that collect royalties for authors but delay distribution.
- Software Royalties: Disputes between developers and clients regarding code usage and licensing fees.
- Franchise Royalties: Commercial disputes between franchisees and franchisors regarding fee amounts.
- Negotiation and Mediation: Resolving disputes out of court by agreeing on new payment schedules or terms.
Common Situations and Scenarios
A typical scenario involves the use of musical works. A radio or TV station uses a song on air but does not pay the corresponding royalty to the Collective Management Organization, or the organization fails to distribute the funds to the author. A lawyer investigates the chain and demands detailed playlists and financial reports.
Another scenario is book publishing. An author has a contract stipulating 10% of sales. The publisher hides actual sales figures. The lawyer demands a circulation audit and access to accounting records, based on which compensation is claimed in court.
Georgian Legislation and Legal Framework
Royalty issues are regulated by the Law on Copyright and Related Rights and the Civil Code of Georgia (contract law). The law protects the author's economic right to receive royalties for any form of use of the work (reproduction, public performance, transmission). The principle of freedom of contract is important, but the law sets minimum standards to protect the author.
Process of Receiving Services
A Legal.ge specialist first studies the license agreement. Often, the problem lies in vague clauses. Then a Demand Letter is sent to the debtor. If negotiation fails, the lawyer goes to court, claiming not only the principal amount but also penalties and damages. We also help you draft better contracts for the future.
Your talent is valuable. Do not let dishonest partners appropriate your income.
Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?
Royalty disputes require financial and legal acumen. Legal.ge gives you access to IP lawyers who understand the specifics of industries (music, IT, publishing) and know how to uncover hidden revenue.
Updated: ...