In the text below, references to the “composer” may also refer, where applicable, to other copyright holders of the composer in question. The same applies to references to lyricists and arrangers.

Iceland Music preserves works by Icelandic composers. When a composer submits a work to Iceland Music, it is always registered and stored in Iceland Music’s database. Composers may also choose to have their work available for sale and distribution through Iceland Music. Works can be withdrawn from sale without prior notice, but works submitted for preservation cannot be withdrawn.

Registering a composition with Iceland Music may lead to further performances of the work, as one of the aims of such registration is to encourage the dissemination of Icelandic works. Iceland Music regularly receives inquiries about repertoire selection and programming, e.g., from choirs, orchestras, or music festivals, and often refers them to the center's database. Iceland Music's database is also utilized by musicologists and other researchers studying Icelandic musical heritage.

If a composer registers a musical work for sale and distribution, they grant Iceland Music permission to sell the work to third parties, including through the center’s online store, and distribute it for promotional purposes.
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New works are registered via an electronic registration form available on Iceland Music's website. For larger collections, e.g., from an estate, it is necessary to contact the music collection manager with information about the scope, etc.
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The composer may receive two printed copies of the work free of charge (two part scores for orchestral and chamber works) submitted for sale and distribution.

The composer’s share of sales revenue is always 25% of all sales/rentals and 50% of rentals for the premiere of a work.

If a musical work includes lyrics under copyright protection, the lyricist receives 8% of the sale price. Similarly, an arranger of a copyrighted work receives 8% of the sale price. In both cases, the composer retains their 25%. The composer’s share does not exceed 25%, even if the composer writes their own lyrics or arranges their own composition.

For arrangements of works not under copyright protection, the arranger receives 16.67% of the sale price.

The copyright holders' share of sales revenue is paid out annually, provided it reaches a minimum payout of ISK 5,000. The accounting is based on the calendar year. If the balance does not reach the minimum payout for four consecutive years, it is forfeited.

The composer retains all publishing- and copyright, even if the work is submitted for sale.

The composer has the full right to withdraw works from sale without notice and/or negotiate with another publisher. Registration of works with Iceland Music and their rental or sale through it does not affect copyright payments from performance rights organizations, such as STEF, for performances (and reproduction) of the work. Registration with Iceland Music is independent of registration with performance rights organizations.

Iceland Music handles all communication with performers regarding the purchase or rental of larger works, and its services are free of charge for composers.

All works registered for sale and distribution are also automatically registered for preservation.

Iceland Music registers works in its database and ensures their preservation at the National Library of Iceland. This preserves an essential part of the nation’s musical history. Information about the works is published in Iceland Music’s online store without making the works purchasable. Potential buyers are referred to the appropriate source if Iceland Music is aware of another sales location. Composers may request that information about their works not be displayed in the center's online store.
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The more works registered in the center's collection, the better the database reflects the contributions of Icelandic composers.

A manuscript is considered a musical work’s original if it is a handwritten first copy or can in a different manner be identified as the original.
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Composers may submit manuscripts to Iceland Music. These works are scanned, registered, and digitally preserved by Iceland Music. Iceland Music ensures their permanent preservation. Composers can choose either:
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a) to have the works stored in Iceland Music’s facilities at the National Library, or
b) to have the manuscripts transferred to the Manuscript Department of the National Library.

Iceland Music recommends transferring works to the Manuscript Department. Once transferred to the Manuscript Department, the composer forfeits the right to retrieve the manuscript, and it is permanently preserved in the National Library. If a composer wishes to retain the option of retrieving the manuscript while needing secure storage, the works are stored in Iceland Music’s facilities at the National Library. In this case, the composer can request the manuscripts back at any time.

Updated and translated in January 2025.
Approved by the Board of Iceland Music 10.12.2024