Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC)?

Why was The MLC created?

What types of licenses does The MLC administer?

When does The MLC collect and pay royalties?

Will The MLC’s musical works data be available to connect to other industry databases?

Do I need to register with The MLC in order to view musical works data in The MLC database?

Do I need to affiliate with HFA in order to receive mechanical royalties from The MLC?

What are unmatched or unclaimed royalties?

Will The MLC be handling historical unmatched royalties?

What happens to unmatched or unclaimed royalties?

Does The MLC keep a portion of my royalties to cover its operating costs?

Where is The MLC located?

Will record companies continue to secure mechanical licenses and pay mechanical royalties?

How is HFA involved in the work of The MLC?

How will The MLC resolve ownership disputes?

Will The MLC audit DSPs?

Is it possible to connect to The MLC database using an API?

How are mechanical royalty rates determined?

How does The MLC plan to educate music publishers, administrators, and self-administered songwriters, composers and lyricists about getting registered?

Will companies like HFA and Music Reports continue to handle mechanical licenses and royalties for digital uses?

Does a record company need to report anything to The MLC?

Will blockchain be used in the management of The MLC data?