Reference.
Primary sources to help you explore music rights and publishing.
Copyright basics
- U.S. Copyright Office — What Musicians Should Know about Copyright
Understand the distinction between a musical work and a sound recording, and find registration information.
Song performance royalties
- ASCAP — songwriter and publisher resources
Explore public performance licensing and royalty information for songwriters, composers, and publishers.
- BMI — Music Creators
Find performing rights information and resources for songwriters, composers, and publishers.
- SESAC — frequently asked questions
Read about SESAC’s performing rights role, licensing, and songwriter and publisher affiliation.
Mechanical royalties and licensing
- The Mechanical Licensing Collective — digital mechanical royalties
Learn about U.S. digital audio mechanical royalties for musical works and resources for songwriters and publishers.
- Harry Fox Agency / Songfile — mechanical licensing FAQs
Explore limited-quantity mechanical licensing for cover recordings and the uses covered by Songfile.
Sound recording performance royalties
- SoundExchange — digital performance royalties
Learn about recording-side royalties for featured artists and sound recording owners from eligible non-interactive digital services.