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The Music Modernization Act { "mediaObjectId": "A18A17AEC2D20094E0538C93F1160094" }

The Music Modernization Act (MMA) updates the copyright law to make statutory licensing more fair for creators and more efficient for digital music providers. It is divided into three key titles:

• Title I—Musical Works Modernization Act;
• Title II—Classics Protection and Access Act; and
• Title III—Allocation for Music Producers Act.

The U.S. Copyright Office has designated the Mechanical Licensing Collective, Inc. (The MLC) to collect and distribute mechanical royalty payments under Title I of the MMA. As of January 1, 2021, songwriters and music publishers must register with The MLC using its online claiming portal to receive royalty payments under the new blanket license.

Copyright for Musicians Educational Materials for Musicians FAQs Musical Works Modernization Act Classics Protection and Access Act (federal remedies for pre-1972 sound recordings) Allocation for Music Producers Act (payment mechanism for producers, mixers, and engineers) Legislative Materials Legislative History Related Rulemakings All MMA Rulemakings Reports and Studies Unclaimed Royalties Study Copyright and the Music Marketplace Federal Copyright Protection for Pre-1972 Sound Recordings MLC and DLC Information MLC and DLC Contact Information, Boards of Directors, and Committees Audit Notices Audit Notices Subscribe for Email Updates

Title I—Musical Works Modernization Act

Downloads and Streaming

Title I establishes a blanket licensing system for digital music providers to make and distribute digital phonorecord deliveries (e.g., permanent downloads, limited downloads, or interactive streams).

Read more about Title I

Title II—Classics Protection and Access Act

Pre-1972 Recordings

Title II brings pre-1972 sound recordings partially into the federal copyright system and provides federal remedies for unauthorized use of sound recordings fixed before February 15, 1972.

Read more about Title II

Title III—Allocation for Music Producers Act

Producers' Royalties

Title III allows music producers, mixers, and sound engineers to receive royalties collected for uses of sound recordings by codifying a process for the designated collective (SoundExchange) to distribute those royalties under a “letter of direction.”

Read more about Title III