TV provider YouSee has been in open conflict with a number of rights holders such as artists, musicians, actors, journalists and many others about payment for the use of content.

In March 2024, YouSee cancelled all existing agreements and filed a lawsuit against Copydan Verdens TV, the company that manages the rights funds on behalf of the content creators.

YouSee demands that the rights payment is reduced by more than 70 %. A demand that the various organisations representing content creators such as music, performance and journalism cannot accept.

Since March, there has been a dispute over YouSee's right to continue using the content in their TV packages. However, a temporary agreement has now been reached that ensures that rights holders will be able to receive rights payments almost as normal.


Joint efforts for musicians, artists and other TV groups

Artist spokesperson Sara Indrio is pleased that there is now an agreement that includes the more than 2200 recipients of rights payments via Performex.

"I am very pleased that the Danish Artist Union's Performex recipients can now receive the payment they are entitled to. The agreement also ensures that we can continue to pay circus artists. It's the musicians, artists and all the other TV professionals who are responsible for the content who risk losing money. That's why I'm pleased that we, and the other trade unions together with Copydan Verdens TV, have at least secured them money until the various lawsuits are settled."

The agreement between YouSee and Copydan Verdens TV means that YouSee will provide both data and money so that the member organisations can distribute rights funds for 2024 almost as normal. The agreement is thus valid back from March 2024, when the conflict started.

"I am very pleased that Danish Artist Federation Performex recipients can now get the payment they are entitled to."
Sara Indrio - chairperson in Dansk Artist Fo rbund

In a press release, both parties comment on the negotiations and the joint outcome:

Jørgen Ramskov, spokesperson for the rights holders and chairman of Copydan Verdens TV, says:

"Rights holders want to have tariffs and terms set by the competent legal bodies. While this is happening, it is crucial for us that the use of the rights takes place under orderly conditions and that the rights holders receive payment for the use of their content. We have now succeeded with these agreements, where we have agreed to disagree, so to speak, in a way that
favours all parties."

Christian Morgan, CEO of YouSee, says:

"We have found a solution that everyone can see themselves in. This has been important for everyone involved. We still disagree on the fundamentals, but with these temporary agreements we have created time and peace of mind for the right body to help us resolve our dispute."