Performance rights organizations administer public performance rights in compositions. The MLC administers a defined U.S. digital mechanical licensing process; these are not interchangeable registrations.

How the rights and registrations work

A songwriting credit entered into a distributor may not create an accurate registration at either organization. International usage adds more complexity, and the composition may have multiple writers and publishers represented by different societies.

What a rights holder should do

List the organization responsible for each royalty category and territory, track your membership or administrator status, and avoid duplicative or conflicting claims. Confirm which agreements give an administrator authority to collect and correct registrations.

Original source and related Utopian services

Read the original guidance. Visit music publishing administration, royalty collection or contact Utopian for catalog-related assistance.

Published October 20, 2026. Educational information only. Confirm rights, contracts, current statutes and organization rules before making filings or licensing decisions.