Catalog Transfers
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. The Catalog Transfer Policy does not deviate from The MLC’s current catalog transfer process in any material way.
Click here to review the Catalog Transfer Policy.
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 Form
The first step in the catalog transfer process is to complete the Catalog Transfer Form below. The form should be completed by the Member that is receiving the rights to collect royalties (referred to as the New Claimant).
The Catalog Transfer Form collects all of the information and specific documentation necessary to implement and give effect to the transfer. After the form is submitted, The MLC will review and follow-up by email with next steps.
Documentation requested for upload via the Catalog Transfer Form includes:
• Letter of Authorization*
• Letter of Relinquishment (LOR), if available. (The MLC will confirm relinquishment with the Existing Claimant whether or not an LOR is submitted.)
*What is a Letter of Authorization?
A Letter of Authorization is sometimes referred to as a Letter of Administration Rights or Letter of Direction. Any of these are acceptable, provided they clearly evidence that the owner of the works or shares of works concerned has authorized the New Claimant to collect royalties for the works or shares of works on their behalf.
Note for Self-Administered Songwriters
Self-administered songwriters receiving rights from a publisher or publishing administrator do not need to submit a Letter of Authorization* since they are effectively administering their own rights.
However, they should still upload a Letter of Relinquishment (LOR) from the Member previously entitled to administer the works concerned if they have a copy of that document.
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.
Tips for Completing the Catalog Transfer Form
• Required fields are noted with a red asterisk (*).
• Optional fields are not mandatory, but this information may help expediate the catalog transfer process.
• Information entered into the Catalog Transfer Form will not be saved if you navigate away from the page without submitting.
• If you need to submit multiple Catalog Transfer Forms, refresh the page after you have submitted the first form, and the form will reset for a new submission.