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about us

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) is a nonprofit organization designated by the U.S. Copyright Office according to the Music Modernization Act (MMA) of 2018.

In January 2021, The MLC began administering blanket mechanical licenses to eligible streaming and download services (digital service providers or DSPs) in the United States. The MLC collects the royalties due under those licenses from the DSPs and pays songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers.

The MLC has built a publicly accessible musical works database, as well as a portal that creators and music publishers can use to submit and maintain their musical works data. These tools help ensure that creators and music publishers are paid properly.

 

Our Mission

The MLC strives to ensure songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time.

Our Vision

The MLC empowers rightsholders by providing unmatched transparency, education-focused outreach, powerful tools, and exceptional service — driving innovation that helps transform the way rights are administered in the music industry.

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Learn more about music rights, royalties, and beyond
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Get Started

CONNECTING WITH THE MLC IS FREE AND EASY 

Whether you’re an independent songwriter, a music publisher or administrator, a collective management organization, or someone looking to better manage your song data, The MLC is for YOU! Join today to connect your songs with the streaming royalties they’ve earned.

Become A Member
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Stay Up
To Date

News & Press Releases

See More
Press Release

The MLC Announces Advisory Committee Updates

January 29, 2026
Article

Take Control of Your Songs: Introducing The MLC’s Songwriter Hub

January 16, 2026
Article

Be the CEO of Your Songwriting Career: Take Control of Your Royalties — and Your Future

November 4, 2025
Press Release

The MLC Holds Annual Membership Meeting, Highlighting More Than $3 Billion in Royalties Distributed

October 7, 2025
Article

Music Business Worldwide: The Mechanical Licensing Collective has Distributed $3BN+ to Songwriters and Publishers to Date

October 6, 2025
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