---
title: What is a CMO?
description: CMO stands for ‘collective management organization.’ CMOs are intermediaries between rightholders and businesses that want to use copyrighted music for commercial purposes. Learn more in the post.
---

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# What is a CMO?

CMO stands for **Collective Management Organization**.

CMOs act as intermediaries between song rights holders and businesses that use copyrighted music commercially. They collect royalties from public venues — such as bars, restaurants, shops, sports centers, and hotels — that play background music. CMOs may also take legal action against copyright violations.

Examples of CMOs include: **ZAiKS** and **STOART** in Poland, **GEMA** in Germany, **OneMusic** in Australia, **PRS for Music** in the UK, and **SACEM** in France.

 

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