Estates

Did you know that Gramex rights are inherited just like any other assets?

Copyrights are inherited

When an author passes away, their copyrights are processed under standard rules concerning marital rights, inheritance and testaments. Therefore, the regulations are also applied to Gramex rights and any related remunerations.

In the event that a client passes away, the rights and responsibilities of their client agreement are transferred to their heirs for the time Gramex rights remain valid. This page includes instructions for estates to follow with matters related to Gramex.

How should the estate take care of Gramex related matters?

Before the estate is executed, the coheirs mutually decide on the use of Gramex rights in the estate. No Gramex remunerations are distributed to coheirs personally. They are specifically distributed to the estate. To simplify distribution, it is recommended that the estate opens its own bank account.

To make communication between Gramex and the estate easier, the coheirs should designate and authorise a contact person for Gramex. The authorised person may be a coheir or someone outside the estate.

What happens after the distribution of estate?

After distribution of estate, heirs may become owners of Gramex rights. If you inherit Gramex rights, please make sure to submit the relevant documents that confirm the transfer of rights. Most often, it is enough to provide documents related to the distribution of estate. You will also need your own client agreement and a Gramex number.

If Gramex rights are distributed to several people, all heirs make their own client agreements and receive their own Gramex numbers.

Documents and information to submit to Gramex

deed of estate inventory with attachments (attach last will and testament and prenuptial agreement, if any)
deed of division
estate’s deed of distribution
estate’s joint management agreement (the so-called indivisible agreement)
in case of an undivided estate, a document granting power of attorney to the estate’s contact person
bank details of an undivided estate or the person who has inherited Gramex rights

Any of the above documents can be submitted to tarja.henriksson@gramex.fi by e-mail.

Frequently asked questions

Can copyright remunerations be inherited?

Yes, copyright remunerations are inherited just like any assets. Copyright remunerations received as inheritance are not considered earned income, but rather they are capital income and liable for capital gains tax as set by tax authorities. Heirs do therefore not have to provide Gramex with a personal tax card as Gramex withholds the capital gains tax (30% in 2024) from all distributions. Remember to also submit the estate inventory deed to Gramex.

Should Gramex rights be considered when distributing an estate?

Yes. Gramex remunerations are divided just like any other asset when distributing the estate. It is governed by the Code of Inheritance. If the shareholders of the estate wish to carry out the distribution of the estate, it can be administered either by the shareholders themselves in agreement or the estate can be distributed by a court-appointed executor. In some cases it is mandatory to use an executor.

What governs the inheritance of Gramex remunerations?

The Code of Inheritance governs inheritance and testaments. Gramex remunerations are governed by the same laws as any other inheritable property. A person is considered an heir if the relationship of the deceased and the heir meets the requirements set in the law on relation, marriage or adoption. The legal order of succession is determined on the basis of these factors.

Frequently asked questions