The book is a novelty. For the first time the fundamentals of the performance activities of the German Society for Musical Performing Rights and Mechanical Reproduction Rights (GEMA) will be comprehensively presented, expertly explained and scientifically fathomed. In addition to the historical and legal basics, this especially concerns the presentation and elucidation of GEMA's "internal rules": The statutes, authorisation agreement and the plan of distribution. An overview concerning the practice of licensing will also be provided. Such a presentation has long since been a sought-after reference factor of practice and science. The reference work should provide those individuals entitled as well as users, supervisory authorities and courts - but also scholars - reliable information concerning the performance activity, and thus contribute to transparency.