The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how songwriters and publishers can claim mechanical royalties from streaming services in the US.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) is a service that helps creators collect mechanical royalties generated by music streaming services within the United States.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically for songwriters and music publishers. If you are a creator who writes music and you want to ensure you are compensated when your songs are played on digital streaming platforms, you may qualify.
What you get
The primary benefit is the collection of mechanical royalties. In the context of the modern music industry, these are the payments earned from the digital reproduction and distribution of your music via streaming services operating in the US. This system ensures that the intellectual property you create as a songwriter is tied to the revenue it generates through digital plays.
What it costs you
There is no cost to use this service. It is free to register your information and your musical works with the collective to ensure your earnings are tracked correctly.
The catch to know
The most significant risk is failing to register your works properly. If you do not register, the royalties earned from your music can end up in what is known as a "black box." This refers to a pool of unclaimed money that sits in an account because the service provider cannot identify the rightful owner. Over time, these unclaimed funds are eventually distributed to other parties, meaning you lose the money you earned.
How to apply
- Navigate to the official portal at the link provided below.
- Set up a registration for your specific profile, whether you are an individual songwriter or a music publisher.
- Carefully input your musical works into the database to ensure they are correctly identified.
- Regularly check your account to track any royalties generated by your streaming activity.