Decision continues The MLC’s role in administering the blanket compulsory mechanical license under the Music Modernization Act.
NASHVILLE, TN — Today, the Register of Copyrights published a rule continuing the Mechanical Licensing Collective’s (The MLC) designation as the statutory collective responsible for administering the blanket compulsory mechanical license for eligible streaming and download services in the United States. The decision follows the Register’s periodic review of The MLC’s initial five-year designation, as required by the Music Modernization Act (MMA).
The Register originally designated The MLC in 2019, and today’s decision confirms that The MLC continues to meet the statutory criteria set forth in the law. 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 Register initiated the periodic review process 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. Throughout the review process, The MLC received overwhelming support from songwriters, major and independent publishers, and music industry organizations. The Register’s decision to continue The MLC’s designation was published today in the Federal Register. To view The MLC’s submissions, public comments and replies, and the Register’s decision, click here.
“We are honored that the Register of Copyrights has continued The MLC’s designation and appreciate the Register’s thoughtful and thorough review,” said 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.”
Since the beginning, The MLC has made education the cornerstone of its extensive outreach efforts. It has also provided unprecedented transparency into its operations paired with a growing suite of data and rights management tools that help Members act on that transparency and manage their rights more effectively. Finally, The MLC has sought to provide exceptional service to ensure all of its stakeholders receive the support they need. These efforts have enabled The MLC to drive innovation and transform the way digital audio mechanical rights are administered in the United States.
The MLC remains committed to working closely with the United States Copyright Office, the Digital Licensee Coordinator (DLC), and stakeholders across the music industry to continue to fulfill its statutory responsibilities and serve songwriters, music publishers, and other rightsholders. The next periodic review of The MLC’s designation is expected to begin in January 2029. For more information about The MLC, visit www.themlc.com.
