Registering a song with a royalty organisation does not replace registering a copyright claim with the U.S. Copyright Office. The systems have different roles, and one does not automatically complete the others.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective, or The MLC, handles U.S. digital audio mechanical royalties within its statutory role. Its guidance says registering musical works there does not replace activities such as Copyright Office registration or registration with a performing rights organisation for performance royalties. Membership and musical-work registration with The MLC are free.
Check who is doing which job
- Identify whether you control the composition, the recording or both. Use the actual agreements to answer this question.
- If you have a publisher or administrator, ask which registrations and collections they handle. Avoid assuming that another contributor completed the task.
- Compare names, song titles, ownership shares and identifying information across your records. Keep a note of discrepancies to investigate.
- Use The MLC’s public information and tools to explore its role. A database match or membership does not promise a particular payment or collect every kind of royalty.
Useful resources
The MLC membership guide — explains who may need membership, self-administered and publisher-managed situations, and available tools.
The MLC registration FAQs — explains musical-work registration, cost and how its role differs from other organisations.
If you are unsure who administers a work, gather the publishing and distribution documents before signing up or claiming shares. Registration should reflect the rights you actually hold, not an estimate made to get through a form.
Have a question about your situation? Request a consultation with Arrington & Phillips.
General information, not legal advice for a specific matter.
