What are Neighbouring Rights?

Neighbouring rights protect the interests of performers, producers, and broadcasters involved in the creation, production and dissemination of creative works.

While copyright covers the original work itself (e.g., music or film), Neighbouring Rights focus on those who help bring that work to the public.

For instance, performers (actors, musicians) have rights over their performances, and producers have rights over the sound recordings they create. Broadcasters, meanwhile, hold rights to their transmissions.

Neighbouring Rights ensure that these parties are compensated when their contributions are used or broadcasted publicly, especially through radio, TV, or online platforms.

Unlike copyright, which focuses on the creator (composer, writer), Neighbouring Rights recognise the efforts of others in delivering the work to the audience. These rights often last for a limited period, usually 50 to 70 years, depending on the jurisdiction.