Episode 4: Common Mistakes and Misconceptions About Neighbouring Rights

Welcome back! Even experienced artists can miss out on royalties due to small oversights. In this post, we’ll clear up some of the most common myths and mistakes around neighboring rights—and help you stay on track.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions About Neighbouring Rights

Even for experienced performers, neighbouring rights can be confusing. Many artists miss out on royalties they’ve rightfully earned—often because of small but important misunderstandings.

🚫 “I’m registered with a PRO, so I’m already covered.”
PROs collect royalties for songwriters and publishers. They don’t manage royalties for recorded performances. Neighbouring rights require separate registration.

❓ “I didn’t write the song, so I’m not entitled to anything.”
You don’t need to be the songwriter. If you sang, played, or produced a released track that’s being played publicly, you may be entitled to royalties.

⚠️ “I only played a small role—it’s probably not worth it.”
Even small contributions—especially as a session musician—can lead to royalty payments, particularly in countries that recognize non-featured performers.

🌍 “I registered in my country—so I’m covered globally.”
Neighbouring rights are governed by national laws and reciprocity agreements. To collect royalties internationally, you may need to register in or through multiple territories.

⏳ “I’ll deal with this later.”
Royalties may expire if unclaimed after a few years. Don’t leave money on the table—take action sooner rather than later.

✅ Takeaway
With the right information and support, you can avoid these common pitfalls and make sure your work gets the recognition—and payment—it deserves.

📅 Next post: “How Streaming and International Plays Affect Your Royalties”