Reprographic reproduction rights (reprorecht): how it works

Reprorecht is a fee entrepreneurs and organisations pay each year for copying text or images for their own use. For example, many businesses use an article from a newspaper by posting it on the intranet. 

The Copyright Act states that only a creator of a work has the right to disclose or publish his work. Another person can do so if they pay a fee to the creator: reproduction rights. This can be done directly or through Reprorecht. A creator can be a writer, photographer, publisher, translator, designer, or illustrator.  

Dutch Reprographic Reproduction Rights Foundation (Stichting Reprorecht)

Because it is impossible for businesses or organisations to settle individually with a creator, the Reprorecht Foundation was set up. The foundation asks money from businesses and organisations that copy (digital) information from books, magazines, and newspapers. That money is distributed among 'creators'. 

How is the amount of the invoice determined?

The contribution is required by law for businesses that use texts and images from publishers. The price depends on the number of employees and the industry you operate in. Businesses with up to 20 employees always pay around €20. Larger businesses pay a lot more. Another factor is whether or not the company uses the information intensively or not. The foundation determines this based on SBI codes. You can find the rates in the fee schedule (in Dutch).

What is, and what is not allowed?

If you pay a fee to the Reprographic Reproduction Rights Foundation, you may use other people's publications for internal purposes. But there are conditions (in Dutch). For example, you may not do so too often. And you may share digital and paper copies only within your own organisation.

Have I received a phantom invoice?

Do you get mail from Stichting Reprorecht and think it is a phantom invoice? Then go to Stichting Reprorecht's website and log in with the details on your invoice. You can also contact them by phone.

Do I have to pay or can I object?

Did you receive an invoice, even though you never make any digital or paper copies? Then log in to the foundation's website and report this. Then you do not have to pay a fee. For companies with more than 20 employees another arrangement applies. This requires them to keep records of their copying behaviour and to provide evidence.

Do you think you have been wrongly classified? You can also report this via the website. Are you still not able to work it out? Then you can lodge an objection (in Dutch) against the invoice. Make sure to do so within 3 months after the invoice date.

Do self-employed professionals also receive an invoice?

According to agreements with the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) and the Royal Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MKB-Nederland), Stichting Reprorecht does not immediately send businesses employing fewer than 3 full-time employees an invoice. These businesses often do not copy. Sending an invoice then creates an unnecessary administrative burden.

Do you still receive an invoice? Please contact the foundation. Not sending an invoice is not a legal exemption for self-employed people who do make copies for internal use. They do have to pay reproduction rights.

Help

Do you have questions about the reproduction fee and cannot find the answer? Please contact KVK. Together we can see what your situation is and how we can help you further.