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Specifications, Templates, and Guidelines

Monthly Reports of Usage

Sample Monthly Usage Reporting Cover Sheet Template v1.0

The monthly report(s) of usage must be submitted along with a Cover Sheet containing basic information about the digital service provider's (DSPs) service, as well as information about estimates, how to access the audio in your service and how to request access to documents. Use this template to submit the Cover Sheet along with usage reporting.

Simple Usage Reporting Format for Ongoing Reporting v1.0 Revision 4

The monthly reports of usage can be submitted in the Simple Usage Reporting Format (SURF). This reporting is specific to The MLC and designed to be simple enough to be completed in Excel if necessary. Use this template if you wish to submit your monthly reports(s) of usage using SURF.

Guidelines for sending monthly Reports of Usage to The MLC using DDEX DSRF v1.4 v1.1.2

This format is typically preferred by international DSPs, as other collective management organizations (CMOs) around the world accept this format. This is maintained by DDEX. DDEX DSRF is complicated and if a DSP is not familiar with the format, we recommend they use SURF. Use this template if you wish to submit your monthly reports(s) of usage using DDEX DSRF v1.4. View guidelines here.

Sample Certification of Monthly Reports of Usage Template

According to 37 C.F.R. § 210.27(i), blanket licensees must provide certifications of their monthly reports of usage. As a courtesy, we have created a template that DSPs may use to provide this certification. Please note that DSPs remain solely responsible for satisfying the certification requirements set forth in the applicable regulations.

Annual Reports of Usage

Annual Report of Usage (AroU) Cover Sheet Template v1.0

Use this template to submit a cover sheet along with Annual Reports of Usage. Click here to view template.

Technical Guidelines for DSPs making adjustments as part of their AroU v1.0

This communication addresses technical guidelines for providing data in connection with adjustments accompanying Annual Reports of Usage. Click here to view guidelines.

Phonorecords III (Phono 3) Adjustments

Phono 3 Technical guidelines for DSPs making adjustments according to 210.27(k) for Phono 3 Periods v1.0

This communication addresses technical guidelines for providing data in connection with adjustments to usage reported in 2021-2022. Click here to view guidelines.

Phono 3 Supplemental Subscriber and End User information for Family Plan Offerings in Phono 3 Period

Use this template to provide supplemental Subscriber and End User information for Family Plan Offerings in Phono 3 periods. Click here to view template.

Phono 3 Cover Sheet (2018-2020) Adjustment of Cumulative Statement of Account

Use this template to submit a cover sheet along with adjustments to usage reported in 2018-2020. Click here to view template.

Phono Cover Sheet (2021-2022) Adjustment of Cumulative Statement of Account

Use this template to submit a cover sheet along with adjustments to usage reported in 2021-2022. Click here to view template.

Phono 3 Certification of No Changes (2018-2020)

Use this template to certify no changes to usage reported in 2018-2020. Click here to view template.

Phono 3 Certification of No Changes (2021-2022)

Use this template to certify no changes to usage reported in 2021-2022. Click here to view template.

Voluntary Licenses

Direct Voluntary License (for Streaming) Template v1.2

There are two scenarios where a DSP should submit Voluntary License information: 1. A DSP has a direct license(s) with publishers or administrators and/or 2. the content streamed includes musical works where the DSP controls the applicable publishing rights and the DSP does not want the works to be included in the Blanket License. Use this template to submit Voluntary License information.

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The MLC Tools

The MLC offers a suite of tools to help you find, register, claim, and manage your musical works (aka song) data so you can collect the digital audio mechanical royalties you've earned. Whether you're a Member or simply checking song information, these tools make it easy to Play Your Part.

View MLC Tools
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Missing Member Lookup

Missing Member Lookup is a database of rightsholders that are not yet Members of The MLC who may be entitled to collect U.S. digital audio mechanical royalties. To see if The MLC may have royalties for you, enter your rightsholder information to search.

Find My Royalties

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CONNECTING WITH THE MLC IS FREE AND EASY 

Whether you’re an independent songwriter, a music publisher or administrator, a collective management organization, or someone looking to better manage your song data, The MLC is for YOU! Join today to connect your songs with the streaming royalties they’ve earned.

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News & Press Releases

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Press Release

The MLC Launches Music Registration 101 Micro-Course Covering Copyright, Music Registration, and Royalties

May 4, 2026
Press Release

The MLC Seeking Suggestions for Songwriter Candidates for Board of Directors and Advisory Committees

April 23, 2026
Press Release

The MLC Seeking Suggestions for Board of Directors and Advisory Committee Candidates

April 2, 2026
Press Release

The MLC Announces Advisory Committee Updates

January 29, 2026
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Take Control of Your Songs: Introducing The MLC’s Songwriter Hub

January 16, 2026
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