What is a catalog transfer?
Occasionally, copyright owners may choose to transfer the right to collect royalties for a collection or "catalog" of musical works to another Member. This is referred to as a “catalog transfer.”
A catalog transfer may include the transfer of a full catalog (all works within the catalog) or a partial catalog (only specific works within a catalog).
In such cases, it is essential that these Members inform The MLC and provide specific documentation regarding the transfer. This allows The MLC to update the relevant data for these works in its database and then redirect royalties for the works being transferred to the Member receiving rights according to the transfer.
The MLC's Catalog Transfer Policy (effective as of October 9, 2024)
On July 9, 2024, The U.S. Copyright Office issued a regulation that requires The MLC to make the procedures by which The MLC analyzes and processes catalog transfer requests available on The MLC website. (37 C.F.R. 210.30)
In response, The MLC has adopted a Catalog Transfer Policy that outlines the standard procedures The MLC uses to (a) analyze catalog transfer requests, (b) administer royalties for works, or shares of works that are subject to a catalog transfer, and (c) address conflicts and disputes that arise in the catalog transfer process.
The MLC’s current catalog transfer process (available here) reflects several years of feedback from Members and has evolved to accommodate songwriter and publisher needs.
Click here to view our Catalog Transfer Policy, which is being updated to reflect our new Catalog Transfer Tool that launched on November 20, 2025.
Need more info about catalog transfers?
To learn more about catalog transfers and The MLC’s catalog transfer process, please review our Help Center article here.
Catalog Transfer Tool
Members can facilitate and manage catalog transfers directly within the Member Hub of The MLC Portal with the Catalog Transfer Tool.
The Catalog Transfer Tool allows Members to:
- Initiate and manage catalog transfers between publishers
- Submit all required information and documentation in one place
- View a dashboard of submitted transfer requests
- Track the status of each request
This tool streamlines the catalog transfer process and replaces the previous manual form. Members can access the Catalog Transfer Tool by logging into the Member Hub and selecting Catalog Transfer Tool under the Catalog section in the left-hand menu.
When is a catalog transfer not needed?
A catalog transfer is not needed if the writer or catalog that you have signed does not have works registered in The MLC's database.
Works not yet registered in The MLC’s database should be treated as new work registrations and added via one of The MLC’s work registration tools or CWR.
To notify The MLC of a statutory termination claim, please fill out the Termination Notice Form here.
