How Italy’s SIAE Is Shaping the Future of Copyright Protection
Categoria: Musica
In 2025, Italy’s collection society surpassed 1 billion euros of revenue, and CEO Matteo Fedeli reflects on the challenges of copyright protection amid innovation.
Por Billboard | 26/05/2026
Established in Milan in 1882 with the active participation of some of Italy’s leading artists and intellectuals, SIAE (an acronym for “Italian Society of Authors and Publishers” in Italian) is one of the oldest collection societies in the world. But for years, this significant historical legacy had made it impervious to innovation — until market liberalization and technological evolution came knocking. Today, with new leadership and a completely different strategic vision than in the past, SIAE is facing the most radical transformation in its history, and is placing itself at the forefront of the technological revolution. The year 2025 marked a true milestone for SIAE, which for the first time surpassed 1 billion euros ($1.16 billion) in revenue, with the distribution of €849 million ($987 million) to rights holders — up 15% compared to 2024. Related Sony Dominates 2025 Publisher Rankings With Hits by Leon Thomas, Kendrick Lamar & Alex Warren 'The Breakfast Club' to Stream Live Daily, Commercial-Free on Netflix: 'The Future Belongs to Those Who Can See What's Possible' Woman Accused of Attempting to Murder Rihanna to Face Mental Health Competency Test Simplification of processes, digitalization, stronger negotiation capacity with digital platforms, and a progressive reduction in commissions are some of the ingredients that, according to SIAE CEO Matteo Fedeli , have contributed and will increasingly contribute to the growth and modernization of the former monopolist, now the Italian market leader with a renewed vocation for innovation. What drove such significant growth in 2025, which had been maintained at this pace for several years? There are three main factors. One is beyond our control: it’s the market, which continues to grow for both recorded music and live events. With a market in recession, it would be much tougher. The other variables are internal. First, the issue of negotiation: our ability to negotiate with major players has certainly improved compared to the past. And then there’s the profound transformation of SIAE’s structure and functioning. Speaking to financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore about SIAE’s 2023-2025 business plan, you said, “We’ve moved from a predominantly legal structure to a model in which data, technology, and analytical capabilities are central.” Can you explain? SIAE should be seen as a digital infrastructure serving the author. We’re moving from being a body that focuses solely on the formal/legal aspects of the business to building a data-driven structure. To move in this direction, it’s also essential to bring in new skills and attract “future-proof” people. We see AI in two different ways: on one hand, we must protect our rights holders from those who want to exploit it in the most unfair way possible; on the other, if you as a company don’t use tools like Claude (Cowork and Code) nowadays, you’re certainly missing out. What are some