Artist resale rights

What is the right of resale?

The right of resale is part of copyright law and grants artists the right to remuneration when their original works are resold. The introduction of the right of resale in Norwegian law is a result of the EU’s harmonization of resale right schemes across Europe. Norway has had the right of resale since January 1, 2007.

Which works are covered?

The right of resale applies to all types of original examples of art such as paintings, drawings, prints, lithographs, sculptures, tapestries, ceramics, glass art, and photographic works. An original example is considered to be an example of an artwork that is created in a limited number by the artist themselves or with the artist’s consent.

Which sales trigger the right of resale?

Resale right remuneration must be paid on resales above 3,000 EURO and amounts to 5% of the sales price including fee, but excluding VAT. For sales above 50,000 EURO, the percentage is lower. The maximum remuneration for one sale is 12,500 EURO.

The high minimum threshold of 3,000 EURO means that many resales fall outside the right of resale. BONO is working with the authorities to lower this threshold so that more artists can share in the increased value of their works.

Who is entitled to resale right reimbursement?

The right to remuneration exists during the artist’s lifetime and for 70 years after the end of the artist’s year of death. After the originator’s death, the right passes to their heirs. The resale right is personal and cannot be transferred or waived.

BONO collects and distributes the remuneration on behalf of all artists covered by the right of resale, including non-members.

Collaboration

BONO has coordinated the collection of resale right remuneration with the 5% fee on public sales of art administered by the Norwegian Visual Artists Assistance Fund. The coordination has been given the common name “The Art Fee” and consists of a resale right part and a fee part. More information about the collaboration can be found at Kunstavgiften.no.

Resale Right for Sales of Norwegian Artists’ Works Abroad

If your works are resold abroad (in countries that have introduced the right of resale, including the EU/EEA – see the complete list here), you may be entitled to resale right remuneration. BONO has sister organizations in most countries that have introduced resale right schemes, and you will therefore receive resale right remuneration through BONO if your works are subject to resale right in the relevant country where the work is resold.