New and robust rights management system in 2026
In September 2026, Gramo will introduce Apollon, a new rights management system. It will deliver more accurate payments, lower costs and stronger international cooperation.
Last year, Gramo's board decided to introduce a new rights management system (the system that calculates and pays out remuneration to our rights holders), thereby phasing out the proprietary system that has been in operation since 2015. The goal is lower annual costs, increased standardization and strengthened international collaboration in Gramo's rights management.
What is a rights management system?
Gramo manages rights according to Section 21 of the Copyright Act. This means that we collect and distribute remuneration when recorded music is used publicly, for example on the radio or in public spaces.
The rights management system is the digital system that:
- receives and processes game time reports
- links recordings to the correct rights holders
- calculates remuneration (payments)
- carries out settlement
- pays individually
- documents and ensures traceability
In short: The system is the very engine of Gramo's work to ensure fair and correct distribution of remuneration to our rights holders.
Why are we changing systems?
The decision was made after a thorough and multi-phased process that included:
- strategic analyses of future system needs
- assessment of further development of existing systems against alternative solutions
- economic and operational impact assessments
- a comprehensive preliminary project with external consultancy
The purpose was to ensure a solid basis for decision-making before the board made a decision.
Anchored in Gramo's social mission
Gramo is approved as a collective management organization and is subject to the Act on Collective Management of Copyright, etc. (CRM Act).
The law requires that rights management be carried out in an accountable, efficient and transparent manner.
The system change is part of this work and will contribute to:
- increased precision in distribution calculations
- strengthened internal control and risk management
- better documentation and audit trail
- higher degree of transparency
This strengthens our ability to ensure fair and verifiable administration of rights.
Lower operating and development costs
An important part of the decision is more cost-effective operation.
By moving from a proprietary system to an established European standard solution, Gramo expects annual savings of NOK 5–7 million.
The savings are due to, among other things:
- reduced need for special development
- lower operating and maintenance costs
- more automated and standardized processes
- less technological vulnerability
This provides more predictable finances and frees up resources for Gramo's core tasks.
Apollon – Part of a European infrastructure
The new rights management system (Apollon) has been developed by the Austrian company BiConcepts, which specializes in information management and system solutions for, among others, broadcasters, media companies and collective management organizations.
BiConcepts has developed particular expertise in rights management for producers of sound recordings and performing artists, and Apollon is currently used by Gramo's European sister organizations, including:
- Gramex Finland
- Gramex Denmark
- Swissperform
This provides advantages such as:
- joint further development across countries
- faster implementation of new standards
- better coordination in European cooperation
- reduced technological risk
Gramo thus moves from a uniquely Norwegian solution to a platform that is part of a broader European infrastructure for rights management.
Strengthened international data exchange
Rights management is increasingly international. Metadata and remuneration cross national borders, and correct identification of recordings and rights holders is crucial.
Apollon is developed for integration with key international industry systems, including:
- VRDB (Virtual Recording Database) – sharing information about recordings between collective management organizations
- IPD (International Performer Database) – unique identification of artists and musicians
- RDx (Repertoire Data Exchange) – standardized metadata exchange between record labels and collective management organizations
This contributes to:
- better data quality
- faster and more precise identification
- more efficient exchange of metadata and remuneration between countries
- fewer manual processes
Progress in 2026
The transition to the new rights management system is taking place in a controlled and gradual manner.
The plan is:
- March 2026: Main payment will be made as normal in the existing system
- May 2026: Post-payment in existing system
- September 2026: Basic version of Apollon and new web portal for users launched
- December 2026: Full version goes into use and first ordinary settlement is carried out in the new system.
This ensures predictability for licensees and provides time for testing and quality assurance.
Data migration and quality assurance
The transition involves extensive transfer of historical data from the existing to the new system.
The migration is carried out with several test runs and checks before the system is put into full operation. This ensures:
- correct transfer of historical data
- consistency in the distribution basis
- full traceability and auditability
Quality assurance is a prerequisite for a safe transition.
A long-term boost for Gramo
Gramo is part of the infrastructure of the Norwegian music scene. The system change is a long-term strategic choice that strengthens our ability to:
- ensure fair remuneration
- work more efficiently
- deliver high quality and transparency
- meet increased demands for international cooperation