ABSTRACT
SACEM embodied the principle of the 'collective management' of authors' rights, a business practice that has become central to the operation of the music industry, and tolerated by anti-monopoly agencies because the existence of a single music rights organisation in each country (except for the US and Brazil) greatly simplifies the business dealings of music users such as broadcasters, cafe owners and concert promoters who can obtain a single licence permitting them to use virtually any musical work. Currently the global market in performing rights for musical works is worth over US$3 bn (NMP A 2003).
