About Performers Society of Nepal
To create a thriving ecosystem where every performer in Nepal is respected, rewarded, and represented. We represent the voices that shape Nepal’s cultural identity. Our core mission is to ensure that performers receive their rightful share of royalties through a transparent and legally supported system of licensing, collection, and distribution.
The Performers Society of Nepal (PSN) is the sole government-affiliated Collective Management Organization (CMO) dedicated to protecting the rights of performers in Nepal. Established under the Copyright Act, 2059 BS (2002 AD) and registered with the Nepal Copyright Registrar’s Office (NCRO), PSN plays a pivotal role in collecting music royalties and distributing them to rightful owners.
As a non-governmental, non-profit organization, PSN actively works to safeguard both the economic and moral rights of performers, including singers, musicians, actors, dancers, arrangers, comedians and announcers. It serves as a bridge between performers and users of copyrighted works, ensuring fair compensation and recognition for creative contributions.
History of Performers Society of Nepal
- 2061 BS (2004 AD): Founded as the Nepali Singers Society to advocate for the rights of Nepali singers.
- December 3, 2012: Approved by the NCRO to expand its scope and operate as the Performers Society of Nepal, covering all performers in the creative arts.
- 2014: Initiated royalty collection and distribution processes to ensure performers receive their fair share of earnings from their works.
- The past presidents include Ram Krishna Dhakal, Hemanta Sharma, Tulsi Parajuli and currently Shiva Hamal
Core Functions and Responsibilities
The Performers Society of Nepal is dedicated to fostering a fair ecosystem for performers by:
- Licensing Usage: Signing working deed agreements with performers to authorize the use of their protected works.
- Royalty Collection: Collecting monetary compensation (royalties) from the users of these works, such as TV and radio broadcasters, event organizers, digital streaming platforms, public venues like bars and hotels, etc.
- Royalty Distribution: Ensuring equitable distribution of collected royalties to performers and other rights holders.
- Advocacy and Protection: Promoting awareness of performers' rights and representing their interests in legal, economic, and social matters.
- Data Management: Establish a database system with performers, their work and other information.
By aligning with international best practices, PSN supports the professional growth of Nepal’s performing arts sector and contributes to the sustainable development of the country’s creative economy.
Nepal’s Copyright Framework
Nepal’s copyright framework is governed by the Copyright Act, 2059 BS (2002 AD) and the Copyright Rules, 2060 BS (2004 AD). It provides comprehensive protection for creative works and establishes guidelines for managing copyright through Collective Management Organizations (CMOs). The framework ensures that performers, producers, lyricists, and composers are fairly compensated for the use of their works. The Nepal Copyright Registrar’s Office (NCRO) supervises the implementation, monitors CMOs, and aligns Nepal’s copyright laws with international standards, supported by its adherence to key global treaties.
Evolution of Copyright Law in Nepal
- 1965: Nepal enacted its first copyright legislation, establishing a foundation for protecting creative works.
- 1977: Revised copyright laws introduced to reflect emerging needs.
- 2002: The Nepal Parliament passed the Copyright Act, 2059 BS, which modernized copyright protections in line with international standards and received royal assent on August 15, 2002.
- 2004: The Copyright Rules, 2060 BS were introduced, providing detailed guidelines for the formation and operation of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs).
Role of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs)
Nepal’s copyright framework mandates the formation of a single CMO per discipline to manage the fixing, collection, and distribution of royalties. The three registered CMOs in Nepal are:
- Performers Society of Nepal (PSN): Represents performers, including singers, musicians, actors, dancers, arrangers, comedians and announcers.
- Music and Film Producers’ Society Nepal (MFPSN): Represents producers, established in 2015.
- Music Royalty Collection Nepal (MRCN): Represents lyricists and composers, established in 2007.
Licensing for all three CMOs officially began in 2015, marking a significant step in regulating the use and monetization of creative works in Nepal.
About the Nepal Copyright Registrar’s Office (NCRO)
International Treaties and Nepal’s Commitment