How it Works
How Does the MLC Work?
The MLC administers blanket mechanical licenses for eligible streaming and download services in the United States, collecting royalties due under those licenses and paying music publishers and administrators; self-administered songwriters, composers, and lyricists; and ex-U.S. collective management organizations (or "CMOs").
The chart below provides a simple overview of The MLC process. As a Music Publisher or Self-Administered Songwriter you can play your part by completing steps 1 and 2. We’ll take it from there!
The Process
Collects
Data and Royalties from DSPsEach month, Digital Service Providers (DSPs) that operate under the blanket license send data and royalties to The MLC for all the music streamed and downloaded on their services.
Matches
Uses of your songsThe MLC matches those downloads and streams to the songs you have registered with us and calculates the royalties you are owed.
Pays You
RoyaltiesThe MLC pays Members royalties on a monthly basis. It's that simple!
The musical works data The MLC collects and maintains in its database is available for all writers, publishers and the general public to view via the Public Search screen accessible from The MLC website. In the future, visitors will also be able to search for unmatched and unclaimed royalties via the Public Search.