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Still fighting for rightful apportionment
Already 4 years battling against Buma Stemra
Since 2007, Buma Stemra has been aware that music composed by Melchior Rietveldt has featured on many DVDs without royalty payment. Since 1988, Rietveldt appointed Buma Stemra to represent him with regards to his author rights. This means that Buma Stemra has the right to exploit and enforce these author rights worldwide. The royalties collected by Buma Stemra then must be handed over to the owner of the rights.
Music is put on DVDs and BLUrays from all over the world.
In 2006, Rietveldt composed music for a pre-movie trailer that was shown during the 2006 film festival. Rietveldt did not transfer his rights of ownership for this music meaning that every time the trailer is broadcast or pressed onto DVD or BLUray, royalties must be paid to Rietveldt through Buma Stemra. Since 2007, this trailer has been copied onto DVD and BLUray without anyone declaring it and, as a result, Rietveldt has not received any of the royalties owed to him. Buma Stemra has been aware of this unacceptable situation since 2007.
No action from Buma Stemra!
During all contacts with Buma Stemra over the last 4 years, Buma Stemra has stated that they are not able to rectify this situation. This, despite the fact that Rietveldt has already discovered himself that his music is present on 77 different DVD titles.
Rietveldt has continued to fight for his rights over those years supported by his financial advisor Mr. Rob Storm (Adminaut) and lawyer Mrs. Thera Adam-van-Straaten (Leijnse Artz). It becomes increasingly obvious that the magnitude of the amount of the claim could be significant. Despite this information and supporting data Rietveldt has not been able to mobilise Buma Stemra into taking action.
Buma Stemra Board member says action only possible in exchange for settlement.
The truth was unveiled during the Pow News broadcast on November 30, 2011, confirming Rietveldt’s suspicions. From a broadcasted telephone conversation with Buma Stemra’s board member, Mr. Jochem Gerrits, it became clear that it was not Buma Stemra’s inability to collect Rietveldt’s royalties but a case of an unwillingness to do so. Furthermore, to Rietveldt’s utmost dismay he heard the Board Member state that he would be willing to discuss this matter with other Board members in exchange for a third of the total collectable amount. Rietveldt is holding Buma Stemra responsible for this and the fact that a proposal of this nature was made to him. Buma Stemra views this as an isolated incident but the fact remains that the Buma Stemra organisation is not actively exploiting and enforcing the rights of its members despite their contractual obligations.
Now its Buma Stemra’s turn.
In the meantime, Rietveldt continues his battle to receive what is contractually and rightfully his. It is very clear that it is Buma Stemra’s turn to take action to progress and complete Rietveldt’s case.