Catalog Transfer Process and FAQs

Occasionally, Members may acquire the rights to collect royalties for a group of musical works in another Member's catalog. This is known as a catalog transfer.

A catalog transfer may include the transfer of a full catalog (all works within the catalog) or a partial catalog (only specific works within a catalog).

In these cases, it is essential that these Members inform The MLC and provide specific documentation regarding the transfer. This allows The MLC to update the relevant data for these works in its database and then redirect royalties for the works being transferred to the Member receiving rights according to the transfer.

Note: A catalog transfer is not needed if the writer or catalog that you have signed does not have works registered in The MLC's database.

Works not yet registered in The MLC's database should be treated as new work registrations and added via one of The MLC's work registration tools or CWR.

For complete information on the catalog transfer process, click here to review the Catalog Transfer Policy.

Before getting started on your catalog transfer request, make sure you have the following information ready:

• Name of the Member whose works you're acquiring
• Date when the transfer of rights is effective
• Letter of Authorization (LOA)
• A Letter of Authorization may also be referred to as a Letter of Administration Rights or Letter of Direction.
• Any of these are acceptable, provided they clearly state that the owner of the works has authorized the new claimant to collect royalties for the works on their behalf.

Note: If you're a self-administered songwriter receiving rights from a publisher or administrator, you do not need to submit an LOA since you are effectively administering your own rights. Instead, upload one of the following:

• Letter of Relinquishment from the previous administrator
• Agreement documentation from the previous administrator that shows the specified term of the agreement
• Email or letter you submitted to your previous administrator requesting termination of your agreement

To begin your catalog transfer, log in to your Member Hub and click on Catalog Transfer Tool under Catalog in the left-hand menu. From there the tool will guide you through the process, directing you as you go.

You will be prompted to provide the required information and upload the documentation mentioned above. You will also be required to select, review, and verify the specific works that should be included in the transfer.

After you have completed your catalog transfer submission, the documents you uploaded will be forwarded to the existing claimant for their formal relinquishment and you will receive communication from The MLC.