For some, the Super Bowl is the biggest event of the year. For others, it is the World Cup that comes around every few years.

But for me…..IT’S EUROVISION!

Each year, the Eurovision Song Contestdraws millions of viewers across Europe and beyond, delivering elaborate performances, international competition, and viral cultural moments.

But behind every three-minute performance lies something far less visible: a complex legal framework governing intellectual property, broadcasting rights, and cross-border commercialization.

Who owns a Eurovision song? The answer seems simple, the artist performs the song. Legally, however, ownership is often divided between the songwriters and composers, publishers, performers, and national broadcasters.

In most cases, the underlying copyright in the song belongs to the songwriters and publishers, not the performer. This means that while an artist may become the public face of a Eurovision entry, the financial rights, particularly royalties, are typically controlled elsewhere.

These rights are governed under international copyright frameworks such as the Berne Convention, which ensures protection across participating countries.

Eurovision is organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which coordinates the event across dozens of countries.

From a legal standpoint, this involves, licensing broadcast rights to national networks, managing performance rights across multiple jurisdictions, and coordinating distribution across television and digital platforms.

Today, this extends beyond traditional broadcasting to include streaming, social media clips, and global on-demand access, each requiring its own layer of rights management.

While Eurovision itself is a competition, its real value often emerges after the final performance.

A successful Eurovision song can generate revenue through, streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube), licensing deals, live performances and tours, and commercial partnerships. Each of these revenue streams depends on properly structured rights agreements. Without clear ownership and licensing terms, disputes over royalties and usage rights can quickly arise, especially given the international nature of the audience.

Despite its celebratory nature, Eurovision is not immune to legal challenges.

Key risks include:

1. Copyright Disputes: Songs must be original and unpublished prior to a certain date under Eurovision rules. Allegations of similarity or prior use can lead to disqualification or legal claims.
2. Cross-Border Enforcement: With dozens of jurisdictions involved, enforcing intellectual property rights can become complex, particularly when content is distributed globally within minutes.
3. Contractual Complexity: Artists, writers, and broadcasters are often bound by layered agreements that govern everything from performance rights to revenue sharing.
4. Regulatory Oversight: As a large-scale broadcast event, Eurovision must also comply with advertising, sponsorship, and content regulations across multiple countries.

Eurovision is more than entertainment, it is a case study in how intellectual property operates in a globalized, digital-first world. For businesses, ownership must be clearly defined, rights must be secured across jurisdictions, and distribution channels must be properly licensed. What happens on the Eurovision stage reflects a broader reality: content is global, but the law is not.

Eurovision may last only one night, but its legal and commercial impact extends far beyond the final vote.

Behind every performance is a network of rights, agreements, and protections that determine who controls the content, and who benefits from its success.

In today’s digital economy, understanding that structure is not just relevant for artists, it is essential for any business operating across borders.

The event will take place over three shows:

• Semi-Final 1: Tuesday, May 12
• Semi-Final 2: Thursday, May 14
• Grand Final: Saturday, May 16

In the United States, it is generally available via:

• Peacock (live and on-demand streaming)
• Select international broadcasts and online platforms

Check local listings or streaming platforms for exact times and availability. You won’t be disappointed!