Book excerpt: Presented in the form of a theoretical and practical guide, this posthumous publication by the late Dr. Ulrich Uchtenhagen concerns the stages in the setting-up of a collective management society in the field of music and the society's operation. The work describes the essential activities and mechanisms as well as the fundamental principles required for sound collective management. It provides clear explanations of the complex notions of a system which is essential for authors, composers and music publishers throughout the world who seek protection and wish to be rewarded for their work.