U.S. Register Of Copyrights Continues Designation Of The MLC As Statutory Mechanical Licensing Collective

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The Register of Copyrights has published a rule continuing the Mechanical Licensing Collective’s designation as the statutory collective responsible for administering the blanket compulsory mechanical license for eligible streaming and download services in the U.S.

The Register originally designated The MLC in 2019, and since beginning operations in 2021, The MLC has enrolled nearly 90,000 members, built one of the world’s most comprehensive public databases of song ownership information containing data for more than 54 million songs, and reached total royalties distributed of nearly $4 billion to songwriters and music publishers.

The periodic review process was initiated by The Register in January 2024 through a public notice published in the Federal Register. In April 2024, The MLC submitted a comprehensive filing detailing its operations, governance, and performance under the MMA, followed by a public comment and reply period. The MLC filed a final submission in July 2024.

“We are honored that the Register of Copyrights has continued The MLC’s designation and appreciate the Register’s thoughtful and thorough review,” says Kris Ahrend, CEO of The MLC. “This continued designation validates our success in carrying out our statutory responsibilities, and it reflects the overwhelming support we have received from songwriters, publishers, and the broader music community over the past six and a half years. We are humbled to be able to continue serving this community, and we remain committed to ensuring that every rightsholder receives the mechanical royalties they have earned.”

“On behalf of the Board, I am proud of the organization’s progress and grateful to the songwriters and publishers whose engagement and feedback help ensure The MLC remains effective, efficient, and focused on serving the music community,” said Alisa Coleman, Board Chair of The MLC. “The Register’s decision affirms that The MLC’s governance, operations, and performance continue to meet the standards established by Congress.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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