Successor In Title
What happens to royalties when someone passes away?
· Copyright exists for 70 years in Australia after someone passes away; and for 50 years in Aotearoa New Zealand.
· When a member passes away, APRA AMCOS can transfer royalty rights and payments to eligible beneficiaries
There’s a lot to think about and organise when someone passes away, but something that many people don’t consider is royalties and copyright.
In Australia, copyright in a musical work exists until 70 years after a songwriter’s death.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, the term is 50 years after a songwriter's death.
In the sad event that a writer member passes away, we have a process to enable eligible beneficiaries to be appointed to receive royalties linked to the deceased member’s music. This is called a Successor in Title (SIT) process.
The Successor in Title (SIT) process
Following receipt of all necessary documentation, the SIT application is presented to our Board of Directors for approval.
Once that has occurred, the SIT becomes an Associate Member and we enter them into our system, organise for any royalties accrued to be transferred to their allocated account and pay out in the next available distribution.
If the SIT is an existing APRA AMCOS member, this can be added this to their existing account.
All future royalties will be paid as per our distribution schedule, with the SIT receiving an email to advise that payment has been made.
Can there be more than one SIT?
Yes, there’s no limit to the number of SITs royalties can be paid to. For example, if a member has four children, their royalties can be paid 25% to each of them or any other percentage as detailed in the will.
What happens if the writer is not an APRA AMCOS member at the time of their death?
With some addition documentation the SIT application process is the same, we just enter the songwriter’s details posthumously into our system as if a new member.
For further information, to confirm eligibility or inform us of a member’s passing, email [email protected] or [email protected]
See also
Frequently asked questions
Can I have more than one Successor in Title (SIT)?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of SITs you can have your royalties paid to. For example, if you have 4 children your royalties can be paid 25% to each of them or any other percentage as detailed in your will.
For more information, or to request an application form, please send us an email.
What information does APRA AMCOS need from my Successor in Title (SIT)?
The SIT needs to complete an application form, an electronic banking form and also provide us with:
- A notarised copy of the death certificate
- A copy of their ID, for example a drivers licence or passport
- A copy of the will (if there was one)
For more information, or to request an application form, please send us an email
What is the process once my Successor in Title (SIT) has submitted their application?
Following receipt of all documentation, the SIT application is presented to our Board of Directors for approval. Once that has occurred, we enter the SIT into our system as an Associate Member, organise for any royalties accrued in your account to be transferred to their account and pay them in the next available distribution. All future royalties will be paid as per our distribution schedule, with the SIT receiving an email to advise that payment has been made.
For more information, or to request an application form, please send us an email
