Implementation of Artist's Resale Right

Artist's resale right came into force in the United Kingdom (UK) on 14 February 2006. This right entitles authors of original works of art (including for example paintings, engravings, sculpture, ceramics) to a royalty each time one of their works is resold in a sale involving an art market professional.

The right only applies to sales for €1,000 or more and is calculated on a sliding scale (see below table). The maximum royalty payable on any single sale is €12,500.

The royalty is subject to compulsory collective management so artists cannot claim their royalty independently but must receive it through a collecting society.

In the UK the right only applies to sales of works by living authors. However, after 2010 the right will be extended to cover sales of works which are still in copyright; that is the author has been dead for less than 70 years.