Kopierabgabe

Kopierabgabe, often translated as copying levy, is a fee imposed in some German speaking countries on devices or media that can be used to copy protected works. The purpose of the levy is to compensate rights holders for private copies made by individuals. The revenue is typically collected by collective rights management organizations and distributed to authors, composers, publishers and other rights holders according to predefined rules.

The scope and application of Kopierabgabe vary by country and over time. In many jurisdictions the levy applies to blank media such as audio tapes, CDs, DVDs, USB drives and memory cards, and in some cases to devices that can be used to reproduce works, like printers, copiers or cameras. The rates and exact items covered are determined by national law and administrative regulations, and may change as technology and licensing practices evolve.

Kopierabgabe has been the subject of ongoing policy discussions and legal adjustments. Supporters argue that it provides fair compensation for private copying in the digital age and helps sustain creators. Critics contend that it imposes costs on consumers and producers, may be difficult to justify as copying practices shift toward legally licensed digital services, and can be complex to administer.

In the German-speaking world the concept has a long regulatory history and remains present in various forms in several countries. The regime tends to adapt to technological change, with some regimes maintaining the levy on physical media while others explore alternative licensing models or phased reforms to reflect current copying practices and distribution channels.