Work Registration

Multiple Works Listed in One Registration Purpose

Use this guidance when a user has included multiple musical works in a single work registration.

When This Applies

A single work registration should represent one musical work (composition).

Projects or collections containing multiple songs cannot be registered as a single work. This includes:

Albums
EPs
LPs
Mixtapes
Other collections of songs

For example, if an album contains 10 songs, each song should generally be registered as its own individual work.

Alternate Titles

The Alternate Titles field should only be used for alternate names of the same musical work.

Do not use Alternate Titles to list additional songs from an album, project, or other collection.

Recordings

The Recordings section of a registration should only include recordings associated with that single work.

A work may have multiple recordings, including multiple ISRCs when applicable, but additional songs from an album or project should not be added as recordings of another work.

How to Determine Whether a Song Needs Its Own Registration

A helpful rule of thumb:

If a song has its own registration with the user's PRO and its own ISWC, it will typically require its own registration with The MLC.

How to Correct the Registration

If multiple works were included in one registration:

Submit a separate registration for each individual work.
For each work, enter its information as a standalone registration.
Include the appropriate:
1. Work title
2. Writers
3. Publishers
4. Ownership information
5. Recordings
6. Other applicable metadata

Example

If a user submitted an album containing 10 songs as one work registration, the songs should generally be registered individually.

Each song should have its own registration containing the metadata associated with that specific work.

If the User Is Unsure

If the user needs help determining whether a title should be registered as a separate work, direct them to contact Support for guidance before submitting additional registrations.

Suggested Customer Response

If you have included multiple songs in a single work registration, each musical work should generally be registered separately with The MLC.

The Alternate Titles field should only be used for alternate names of the same musical work, and the Recordings section should only include recordings associated with that individual work. It should not be used to add additional songs from an album, EP, LP, mixtape, or other project.

To correct the registration, please submit a separate registration for each individual work and include the appropriate title, writers, publishers, ownership information, recordings, and other metadata for each song.

As a helpful rule of thumb, if a song has its own registration with your PRO and its own ISWC, it will typically require its own registration with The MLC.

If you're unsure whether a title should be registered as a separate work, please contact Support for guidance before submitting additional registrations.

Yes. I can convert this flowchart into a HubSpot AI knowledge source that is optimized for retrieval and conversational responses.

Based on User has superseded works.pdf, the content is essentially a decision tree about why a work registration shows as "Superseded" and what an agent should tell the user. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

User Has Superseded Works HubSpot Knowledge Base Version

Why does my work show as "Superseded"?

When a new registration or an edit is submitted for an existing work, the newest submission becomes the current version under review or the current accepted version.

Previous submissions are retained in Registration History, but their status changes to Superseded to indicate they have been replaced by a newer submission. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

How to Determine Why a Work Was Superseded

Step 1: Search the Completed Tab

Search for the work title in the Completed tab of Registration History. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

If two records exist for the same title

You may see:

One record marked Superseded
One record marked Accepted or Rejected
Searchable question-and-answer pairs
Clear troubleshooting paths
Reusable response language
Explicit decision logic without relying on a visual flowchart
Multiple keyword matches (superseded, overwritten, registration history, processing, rejected, member work identifier) that improve retrieval accuracy.
Pending: Submission has been received and is awaiting processing. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]
Processing: Submission is actively being reviewed or processed. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]
Completed: Processing has finished and a final status is available. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]
Pending
Processing
Completed
Direct members to View Member → Registration History when asking about registration progress. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]
Advise members to review all status tabs if they are unable to locate a submission. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]
Additional support may be available through resources explaining Registration History statuses. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]
Pending: Submission has been received and is waiting for processing. [How long d...registered | PDF]
Processing: Submission is actively being reviewed or processed. [How long d...registered | PDF]
Completed: Registration processing has finished and a final status is available. [How long d...registered | PDF]

In this situation, the most recent submission determines the current registration status. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

Step 2: Check Registration History

Review all Registration History tabs to locate related submissions. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

If only one Superseded record appears in Completed

Check the Processing tab for a newer submission that may still be under review. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

Scenario A: Superseded Record in Completed and Newer Submission in Processing

What happened?

A newer registration or registration edit was submitted for the same work and is currently being processed. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

Response to Member

"I can confirm that a newer registration or edit was submitted for this work. Registration edits typically take 1 to 3 weeks to process. Once processing is complete, you should see two records for this work in the Completed section of your Registration History." [User has s...eded works | PDF]

Scenario B: Superseded Record and Accepted/Rejected Record in Completed

What happened?

Multiple submissions exist for the same work, and the most recent submission determines the active registration status. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

Response to Member

"The superseded record represents an earlier submission. The status of the most recent submission is the active status for the work." [User has s...eded works | PDF]

If the most recent submission is Rejected

Guide the member to the Rejected Works support content or workflow. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

Scenario C: Multiple Works Submitted Using the Same Member Work Identifier

What happened?

Multiple registrations were submitted using the same Member Work Identifier. This can cause registrations to supersede or overwrite one another, resulting in only one work appearing in the catalog under that identifier. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

Response to Member

"It looks like multiple works were submitted using the same Member Work Identifier. When this happens, registrations can unintentionally supersede or overwrite one another. This may cause only one work to appear in your catalog under that identifier.

The Member Work Identifier field is optional and is intended for personal cataloging codes. If you use this field, each work should have its own unique identifier." [User has s...eded works | PDF]

AI Agent Q&A Training Snippets

Q: What does 'Superseded' mean?
A: Superseded means an earlier registration or edit was replaced by a newer submission. The newer submission becomes the current version being processed or the current accepted version. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

Q: Why is my registration marked Superseded?
A: A newer registration, edit, or submission likely exists for the same work. Check Registration History to identify the most recent submission. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

Q: I only see a Superseded record. What should I do?
A: Check the Processing tab. A newer submission may still be under review. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

Q: How long do registration edits take?
A: Registration edits typically take 1 to 3 weeks to process. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

Q: Why did one of my works disappear?
A: Multiple works may have been submitted using the same Member Work Identifier, causing one registration to supersede another. Each work should use a unique identifier if identifiers are being used. [User has s...eded works | PDF]

This format is much more effective for HubSpot Customer Agent AI because it provides:

Where How Can a User See the Progress of Their Work Submissions Overview

Members can track the status of their work registrations through the Registration History section in the Member Hub. Registration History allows members to view whether a submission is Pending, Processing, or Completed. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]

How to Check Work Registration Progress

Step 1: Log In to Member Hub

Step 2: Open Member Summary

Select View Member from the Member Hub. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]

Step 3: Access Registration History

From the navigation menu on the left, select Registration History. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]

Step 4: Review Registration Status

Use the Registration History tabs to view the current status of your work submission:

For additional guidance, refer to the resource explaining registration statuses. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]

Common User Questions

How can I check the status of my work registration?

You can view the status of your work registration by logging into Member Hub, selecting View Member, opening Registration History, and reviewing the Pending, Processing, or Completed tabs. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]

Where can I find my submitted works?

Submitted works can be found in the Registration History section of the Member Hub. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]

What do the Registration History tabs mean?

Registration History includes the following status categories:

These tabs indicate the current stage of your work registration. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]

My work registration is still processing. Where can I see it?

Open Registration History and select the Processing tab to view submissions that are currently being reviewed. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]

I can't find my registration. Where should I look?

Check all Registration History tabs, including Pending, Processing, and Completed, to determine the current status of your submission. [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]

Suggested AI Response

"I can help with that. To view the progress of a work registration, log in to Member Hub, select View Member, and open Registration History from the left navigation menu. From there, you can review the Pending, Processing, and Completed tabs to see the current status of your submission." [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]

AI Search Keywords

work registration status, registration progress, track submission, registration history, pending work registration, processing work registration, completed work registration, where is my registration, member hub registration history, check work status [Where how...ubmissions | PDF]

Agent Notes

How Long Does It Take to Get Works Registered Overview

Work registrations are typically processed within one week. However, due to current submission volumes, processing may take up to three weeks. Some registrations may also require manual review, which can result in additional delays. The registration timeline is the same for all works, regardless of whether they are submitted through CWR or another method. [How long d...registered | PDF]

Registration Timeline

How long does it take to register a work?

Submitted works are typically registered within one week. However, depending on current processing volume, registration may take up to three weeks. [How long d...registered | PDF]

Do CWR submissions process faster?

No. All work registrations follow the same processing timeline, regardless of whether the registration was submitted through CWR or another submission method. [How long d...registered | PDF]

Why is my registration taking longer than expected?

Some registrations require manual review, which can extend processing times beyond the standard timeframe. [How long d...registered | PDF]

How to Check Registration Status

Step 1: Log In

Step 2: Open Member Summary

Select View Member. [How long d...registered | PDF]

Step 3: Access Registration History

Select Registration History from the left navigation menu. [How long d...registered | PDF]

Step 4: Review Current Status

Check the following tabs to determine the status of your registration:

Conflicting Claims on a Work

What happens if there are conflicting claims?

If conflicting ownership or registration claims exist for a work, the affected parties must be contacted to attempt a resolution before registration can be finalized. [How long d...registered | PDF]

How does the outreach process work?

The registration team will contact the affected parties up to three times:

Initial outreach
30-day follow-up
60-day follow-up

If no response is received after these outreach attempts, the claim under review will generally be considered valid and the work may be registered accordingly. This process can take approximately 90 days from the first outreach attempt. [How long d...registered | PDF]

What if another party disputes my claim?

If another party disputes the claim, all involved parties will be connected and provided with the conflicting claim information. Registration changes will not be made until all parties reach a resolution or consensus. [How long d...registered | PDF]

Common User Questions

How long does work registration take?

Work registrations are typically completed within one week but may take up to three weeks depending on processing volume. [How long d...registered | PDF]

Why is my work still processing?

Higher submission volume or manual review requirements may extend processing times beyond the standard timeline. [How long d...registered | PDF]

How do I check the status of my registration?

Go to View Member → Registration History and review the Pending, Processing, and Completed tabs. [How long d...registered | PDF]

Does CWR have a different processing timeline?

No. All registrations follow the same processing timeline regardless of submission method. [How long d...registered | PDF]

Why has my registration been delayed for months?

A delay of several months may occur if there are conflicting claims associated with the work. The outreach and resolution process can take approximately 90 days or longer depending on responses and disputes. [How long d...registered | PDF]

What happens if no one responds to a conflicting claim inquiry?

If no response is received after the initial outreach, 30-day follow-up, and 60-day follow-up, the registration team may proceed based on the claim being reviewed. [How long d...registered | PDF]

Suggested AI Response

"Work registrations are typically completed within one week, though current processing volumes may increase the timeline to as much as three weeks. Some registrations require manual review, which can create additional delays. You can check the status of your registration by navigating to View Member → Registration History and reviewing the Pending, Processing, and Completed tabs." [How long d...registered | PDF]

AI Search Keywords

work registration timeline, registration processing time, how long does registration take, work registration status, registration history, pending registration, processing registration, completed registration, conflicting claims, ownership dispute, manual review, CWR registration timeline, registration delay, work claim dispute [How long d...registered | PDF]

Agent Notes

Standard registration timeline is approximately one week, but may extend up to three weeks based on volume. [How long d...registered | PDF]
Manual review can extend processing times. [How long d...registered | PDF]
CWR submissions do not receive expedited processing. [How long d...registered | PDF]
Conflicting claims require outreach to affected parties and can significantly extend timelines. [How long d...registered | PDF]
Registration changes should not be made while disputes remain unresolved. [How long d...registered | PDF]

Member Thinks They Need to Add Themselves as Both Publisher and Administrator Overview

When registering a work, members sometimes believe they must list themselves as both the publisher and the administrator. In most cases, this is not necessary. If a publisher does not have a separate administrator, the administrator fields should be left blank. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]

Publisher vs. Administrator

Do I need to add myself as both the publisher and the administrator?

No. If you are already claiming ownership shares as the publisher, you do not need to duplicate the same information in the administrator fields. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]

When should the administrator fields be completed?

The administrator fields should only be completed when the publisher is administered by a separate entity. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]

What if I do not have an administrator?

If you do not have an administrator, leave the administrator fields empty. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]

Common User Questions

I am my own publisher. Should I also list myself as the administrator?

No. If you are already listed as the publisher and do not have a separate administrator, there is no need to add yourself as the administrator. Leave those fields blank. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]

Why can't I enter the same information for both publisher and administrator?

The administrator fields are intended for situations where a separate organization or entity administers publishing rights on behalf of the publisher. They are not intended to duplicate publisher information. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]

I don't have a publishing administrator. What should I do?

Leave the administrator section blank and complete only the publisher information. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]

My publishing company administers its own catalog. Do I need to add an administrator?

No. If there is no separate administering entity, you only need to provide the publisher information. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]

Suggested AI Response

"If you do not have a separate administrator, you should leave the administrator fields empty. The administrator section is only used when a publisher is administered by another entity. If you are already claiming shares as the publisher, you do not need to add the same information again as an administrator." [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]

AI Search Keywords

publisher administrator, publisher vs administrator, work registration publisher, administrator field, publishing administrator, self-administered publisher, do I need an administrator, publisher registration details, completing work details, administrator information [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]

Agent Notes

Members without a separate administrator should leave administrator fields blank. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]
Administrator information should only be entered when another entity administers the publisher's catalog or rights. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]
Do not instruct members to duplicate publisher information in administrator fields. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]
Being listed as the publisher is sufficient when no separate administrator exists. [Member thi...inistrator | PDF]
Do not provide specific ownership percentages or legal guidance regarding ownership allocation. [User wants...their work | PDF]
Advise members that ownership shares are determined by agreement among writers and publishers. [User wants...their work | PDF]
Remind members to coordinate ownership percentages with all co-writers before registration. [User wants...their work | PDF]
Direct members to the public catalog search if they want to review existing ownership claims. [User wants...their work | PDF]
Avoid making determinations about entitlement to specific shares on behalf of contributors. [User wants...their work | PDF]
Members should only register shares for entities they administer or represent. [Member is...wn account | PDF]
Self-administered songwriters should register only their own ownership interests. [Member is...wn account | PDF]
Publishers and administrators should register only the shares they control or administer. [Member is...wn account | PDF]
Other rights holders are responsible for claiming their own shares. [Member is...wn account | PDF]
Writer information may be added to facilitate future claims by co-writers and co-publishers. [Member is...wn account | PDF]
Internal process: Review whether escalation is necessary and determine if the case has already been added to the submitted publisher review workflow. [Member is...wn account | PDF]
Your Member name, which effectively represents your publishing entity. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]
Your writer name. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]
The MLC does not maintain separate writer and publisher share registrations. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]
Shares entered in Member Hub should reflect publishing ownership. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]
Digital audio mechanical royalties are paid to publishers. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]
Publishers are responsible for distributing agreed-upon royalties to songwriters, composers, and lyricists. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]
Self-administered songwriters register works as publishers and may include both their Member name and writer name during registration. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]
If the member is the sole publisher, they should claim 100% of the publishing share. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]
Each movement should be registered as a separate work. [Classical...usic works | PDF]
Recordings should be matched to the corresponding movement registration. [Classical...usic works | PDF]
Separate registrations improve matching between recordings and works. [Classical...usic works | PDF]
Royalty distribution depends on successful recording-to-work matching. [Classical...usic works | PDF]
Alternative titles can be used to reference the name of the full composition. [Classical...usic works | PDF]
Nature sounds [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]
Spoken word recordings [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]
Comedy works [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]
A work appearing in Public Search does not guarantee royalty eligibility. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]
Non-musical works include nature sounds, spoken word works, and comedy recordings. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]
The MLC does not pay royalties for non-musical works. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]
Public domain works may appear in Public Search but are not royalty-bearing works. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]
Do not provide legal determinations regarding whether a specific work qualifies as a musical work. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]
Members seeking clarification on copyright eligibility should be directed to a qualified copyright attorney. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]
You may list the original composer's name and credit yourself as the arranger. A writer IPI is not required for the original composer. [Public domain works | PDF]
If the original author is unknown, you may enter "Public Domain" as the composer name and list yourself as the arranger. [Public domain works | PDF]
Public domain works cannot be owned by any individual or entity. [Public domain works | PDF]
No royalties are owed to the original composer of a public domain work. [Public domain works | PDF]
Members may register original arrangements of public domain works if they control the rights to those arrangements. [Public domain works | PDF]
Original composers may be listed without a writer IPI. [Public domain works | PDF]
If the original author is unknown, "Public Domain" may be used as the composer name. [Public domain works | PDF]
Members should be credited as arrangers when registering their original arrangements. [Public domain works | PDF]
High submission volume. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]
Manual review requirements. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]
Rejected submissions that require correction and resubmission. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]
Standard processing time is approximately one week. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]
Processing may take up to three weeks due to volume and manual review. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]
Successfully added works may take 24 to 48 hours to appear in the catalog. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]
Common rejection reasons include hierarchy issues, publisher mismatches, claim conflicts, and missing composer roles. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]
Direct overclaim-related inquiries to publisherservices@themlc.com when the rejection explicitly references the overclaim review process. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]
Self-administered songwriters should register works under their Member name as publisher rather than listing themselves as an administrator. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

User Wants to Know What Percentage to Claim on Their Work Overview

Ownership percentages for a musical work depend on the agreement between the writers and publishers associated with that work. Anyone who contributed to creating the musical work may be entitled to a share, but the exact percentages must be determined by the involved parties. [User wants...their work | PDF]

Determining Ownership Shares

What percentage should I claim for my work?

There is no standard percentage that applies to every work. Ownership shares depend on the agreement between the writers and publishers involved in creating the work. [User wants...their work | PDF]

Who is entitled to shares of a musical work?

Typically, anyone who helped create a musical work may be entitled to ownership shares. The final allocation of shares should reflect the agreement among the contributors and publishers. [User wants...their work | PDF]

What if I am the only writer?

If you are the sole writer of the work, you will likely own a significant or complete share of the writer's portion of the work, subject to any publishing agreements that may apply. [User wants...their work | PDF]

What if I worked with co-writers?

If you collaborated with other songwriters, all contributors should agree on the percentage of ownership assigned to each person before registering the work. [User wants...their work | PDF]

Verifying Existing Ownership Claims

How can I see whether someone has already claimed ownership of a work?

You can conduct a public catalog search using the search function (magnifying glass icon) to determine whether ownership shares have already been claimed for a work. [User wants...their work | PDF]

Can the organization determine my ownership percentage?

No. Ownership percentages are determined by the writers and publishers involved in the work and should reflect their mutual agreement. [User wants...their work | PDF]

Common User Questions

How much of the song should I register under my name?

The percentage you should register depends on the ownership agreement between all writers and publishers who contributed to the work. [User wants...their work | PDF]

I wrote the song by myself. What percentage should I claim?

If you are the sole writer and there are no other parties with ownership rights, you will generally claim the share agreed upon under your publishing arrangements, if any. [User wants...their work | PDF]

My co-writer and I disagree on ownership percentages. What should we do?

Ownership percentages should be agreed upon by all contributors before registration. If there is a disagreement, the parties should resolve it directly and determine a mutually accepted split. [User wants...their work | PDF]

How do I know if someone else already registered part of the work?

Use the public catalog search to review existing registrations and ownership claims associated with the work. [User wants...their work | PDF]

What percentage do co-writers usually receive?

There is no universal percentage. Ownership splits vary based on the agreement among the contributors and publishers for each specific work. [User wants...their work | PDF]

Suggested AI Response

"Ownership percentages are determined by the writers and publishers involved in the work. Typically, anyone who contributed to creating the musical work may be entitled to a share. If you collaborated with other songwriters, you'll need to agree on the ownership percentages for each contributor. If you'd like to check whether ownership has already been claimed, you can perform a public catalog search using the search icon." [User wants...their work | PDF]

AI Search Keywords

ownership percentage, claim percentage, writer share, songwriter split, co-writer shares, publishing shares, ownership split, work registration percentage, songwriting credits, contributor ownership, music ownership claim, registration shares, public catalog search [User wants...their work | PDF]

Agent Notes

Member Is Attempting to Register Someone Else's Shares Under Their Own Account Overview

Members should only register works and claim ownership shares for the entity or parties they administer or represent. Writers, publishers, and administrators should register only the shares that belong to themselves or the parties they are authorized to represent. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

Registering Ownership Shares

Can I register someone else's ownership share?

No. Members should only register works and claim shares for the entity they administer or represent. Shares belonging to another writer, publisher, or administrator should be registered by the appropriate rights holder or representative. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

I'm a self-administered songwriter. What should I register?

A self-administered songwriter only needs to register their own ownership share in each work. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

I'm a publisher or administrator. What shares should I register?

Publishers and administrators should register only the shares that belong to the writers or entities they represent. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

Do I need to register shares administered by another company?

No. If another publisher, administrator, or entity administers specific shares, that entity is responsible for registering and claiming those shares. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

Co-Writers and Co-Publishers

Can I include information for my co-writers or co-publishers?

Yes. You may add writer information on behalf of co-publishers or other contributors. This helps those parties locate the work more easily when they are ready to claim their own shares. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

Does adding another writer's information claim their ownership share?

No. Adding writer information helps identify the work and its contributors, but it does not transfer ownership or allow you to claim another party's share. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

Who is responsible for claiming co-writer shares?

Each writer, publisher, or administrator is responsible for registering and claiming the shares they own or administer. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

Common User Questions

Should I register 100% of the work if I only own part of it?

No. You should register only the share that belongs to you or the entity you represent. Other parties are responsible for claiming their own shares. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

My co-writer is not registered yet. Should I claim their share for them?

No. Your co-writer, or the entity representing them, should claim their own share. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

Another publisher administers part of the work. Should I register their portion?

No. The publisher or administrator responsible for those shares should register and claim them directly. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

Can I add co-writer information even if I don't represent them?

Yes. Writer information may be added to help other contributors locate and claim their shares later. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

Why can't I register all ownership shares myself?

Ownership shares must be claimed by the appropriate rights holders or the entities authorized to administer them. [Member is...wn account | PDF]

Suggested AI Response

"You should only register works and claim shares for the entity you administer or represent. For example, a self-administered songwriter should register only their own share, while a publisher or administrator should register only the shares they represent. If another entity administers a portion of the work, that entity is responsible for registering and claiming its own shares. You may add writer information for co-writers or co-publishers to help them locate and claim their shares, but you should not claim ownership on their behalf." [Member is...wn account | PDF]

AI Search Keywords

register someone else's shares, ownership shares, co-writer shares, co-publisher shares, claim ownership, register work shares, self-administered songwriter, publisher shares, administrator shares, rights holder registration, ownership claim, registering works, claiming shares, co-writer registration [Member is...wn account | PDF]

Agent Notes

User Asked About Registering Their 'Writer Share' Overview

Unlike performing rights organizations (PROs), The MLC does not maintain separate writer and publisher shares for mechanical royalty registrations. Digital audio mechanical royalties are paid to the publisher(s), and the publisher is responsible for distributing any agreed-upon royalties to songwriters, composers, or lyricists. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

Understanding Writer and Publisher Shares

Does The MLC have separate writer and publisher shares?

No. Unlike many performing rights organizations (PROs), The MLC does not separate ownership into writer shares and publisher shares. Digital audio mechanical royalties are paid to the publisher(s) associated with the work. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

What shares should I register in Member Hub?

The shares you claim in Member Hub should represent your share of the publishing ownership for the work. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

If I am the sole publisher, what percentage should I claim?

If you are the sole publisher of the work, you should claim 100% of the publishing share for your member account. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

Who pays the songwriter portion?

The publisher is responsible for distributing any agreed-upon royalties to the songwriter, composer, or lyricist according to the applicable agreements. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

Self-Administered Songwriters

I'm a self-administered songwriter. How should I register my work?

As a self-administered songwriter, you function as both the writer and the publisher of your musical works. When registering works in Member Hub, you are registering them in your role as the publisher. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

Can I include both my publisher and writer information?

Yes. During the work registration process, you can add both:

If I'm both the writer and publisher, do I need to register separate shares?

No. Self-administered songwriters register the publishing share of the work. There is no separate writer share registration within The MLC. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

Common User Questions

Where do I enter my writer share?

The MLC does not use separate writer share registrations. You should register the publishing share that belongs to you or the entity you represent. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

Why don't I see a writer share field?

The MLC pays digital audio mechanical royalties to publishers rather than maintaining separate writer and publisher share registrations. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

I'm a songwriter without a publisher. What should I do?

If you are a self-administered songwriter, you act as your own publisher and should register the publishing share associated with your works. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

Should I split my ownership into writer and publisher portions?

No. Work registrations should reflect publishing ownership rather than separate writer and publisher shares. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

I own the entire work. What percentage should I register?

If you are the sole publisher, you should register 100% of the publishing share. [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

Suggested AI Response

"The MLC does not use separate writer and publisher shares like some performing rights organizations. Any shares you register in Member Hub should represent your publishing ownership. If you are the sole publisher of a work, you should claim 100% of the publishing share. If you are a self-administered songwriter, you are acting as both the writer and publisher, and you can add both your Member name and writer name during the registration process." [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

AI Search Keywords

writer share, writers share, publisher share, publishing ownership, self-administered songwriter, songwriter publisher, mechanical royalties, digital audio mechanical royalties, writer vs publisher share, register publishing share, sole publisher, Member Hub registration, publisher ownership percentage [User asked...ter share' | PDF]

Agent Notes

Classical Music Works Overview

Classical music works that contain multiple movements should be registered with a separate work registration for each movement. This approach improves the ability to match recordings to the correct work registration, which helps support accurate royalty distribution. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Registering Classical Music Works

Should each movement have its own registration?

Yes. Each movement in a classical piece should be registered as a separate work. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

How should recordings be associated with the work?

Each movement's recording or recordings should be matched to the corresponding work registration for that movement. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Why should movements be registered separately?

Creating a separate registration for each movement improves the ability to match recordings with the correct work registration. This helps ensure usage can be accurately identified and associated with the appropriate work. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Recording Matching and Royalties

Why is recording matching important?

Matched recordings are what lead to royalty distribution. The ability to connect recording data to the correct work registration is a key part of the royalty distribution process. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Can royalties be distributed if recordings are not matched?

The MLC can distribute royalties only when recording data is successfully matched to a work registration. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Will separate movement registrations help with royalty processing?

Yes. Registering each movement separately can improve recording matching, which supports accurate royalty distribution. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Titles and Naming Conventions

Should I include the title of the full piece?

Yes. When registering individual movements, you may want to add an alternative title that includes the name of the full piece. This can help identify the relationship between the movement and the complete composition. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Can movements have alternative titles?

Yes. Alternative titles may be used to reference the full work while still maintaining separate registrations for each movement. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Common User Questions

I have a symphony with multiple movements. Should I register it as one work or several?

Each movement should have its own separate work registration. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Do I need to associate recordings with each movement separately?

Yes. Each recording should be matched to the specific movement it relates to. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Why can't I register the entire piece as a single work?

Separate movement registrations improve recording matching and help ensure royalties are distributed accurately. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

How can I make it clear that multiple registrations belong to the same composition?

Consider adding an alternative title that includes the name of the full piece when registering each movement. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

How do royalties get paid for classical works?

Royalties depend on successful matching between recording data and work registrations. Separate movement registrations improve the ability to make those matches. [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Suggested AI Response

"For classical works, each movement should be registered as a separate work. Each movement's recording should then be matched to its corresponding registration. Separate registrations improve recording matching, which is important because matched recordings are what lead to royalty distribution. When registering individual movements, you may also want to add an alternative title that includes the name of the full piece." [Classical...usic works | PDF]

AI Search Keywords

classical music registration, classical work registration, register movements, symphony registration, concerto registration, movement registration, classical composition, recording matching, royalty distribution, alternative title, matched recordings, classical work royalties, movement recording match [Classical...usic works | PDF]

Agent Notes

Non-Traditional Musical Works Overview

The U.S. Copyright Office defines a musical work as "both original compositions and original arrangements or other new versions of earlier compositions to which new copyrightable authorship has been added." [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Some works may appear in The MLC Public Search but are not eligible for royalty payments from The MLC. These works may be classified as non-musical works or public domain works. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

What Is Considered a Musical Work?

How is a musical work defined?

A musical work includes original compositions as well as original arrangements or new versions of earlier compositions that contain new copyrightable authorship. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Are all works in The MLC Public Search eligible for royalties?

No. Some works may appear in The MLC Public Search even though The MLC does not pay royalties for them. These works may be designated as non-musical works or public domain works. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Non-Musical Works

What are examples of non-musical works?

Examples of non-musical works include:

Does The MLC pay royalties for non-musical works?

No. The MLC does not pay royalties for works classified as non-musical works. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Why is my work visible in Public Search if royalties are not paid?

A work may appear in the Public Search database even if it has been classified as a non-musical work or a public domain work. Presence in Public Search does not necessarily mean the work is eligible for royalty payments. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Public Domain Works

Does The MLC pay royalties for public domain works?

Works identified as public domain works may appear in Public Search, but they are not eligible for royalty payments from The MLC. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Can a public domain work still be listed in the database?

Yes. A public domain work may appear in Public Search even though royalties are not paid for that work. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Questions About Eligibility

How do I know if my work qualifies as a musical work?

The determination depends on the nature of the work and applicable copyright considerations. If you are unsure whether your piece qualifies as a musical work, additional legal guidance may be necessary. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Can The MLC determine whether my work qualifies as a musical work?

Members with questions about whether a piece is considered a musical work should consult a qualified copyright attorney or copyright professional for guidance. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

My work contains spoken word elements. Is it eligible?

Eligibility depends on the nature of the work. Works that are classified as spoken word content may be considered non-musical works, which are not eligible for royalty payments from The MLC. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Common User Questions

Why is my work listed but not earning royalties?

Some works appear in Public Search but are categorized as non-musical works or public domain works, which are not eligible for royalty payments. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Does The MLC pay royalties for nature sounds?

No. Nature sounds are an example of a non-musical work for which The MLC does not pay royalties. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Does The MLC pay royalties for spoken word recordings?

No. Spoken word works are examples of non-musical works that are not eligible for royalty payments. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Does The MLC pay royalties for comedy recordings?

No. Comedy works are considered non-musical works and are not eligible for royalty payments. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Who should I contact if I'm unsure whether my work qualifies?

If you're uncertain whether your piece is considered a musical work, consult a copyright attorney for guidance. [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Suggested AI Response

"Some works may appear in The MLC Public Search even though they are not eligible for royalty payments. Works classified as non-musical works, such as nature sounds, spoken word recordings, or comedy works, are not eligible for royalties through The MLC. If you're unsure whether your work qualifies as a musical work, The MLC recommends consulting a copyright attorney for guidance." [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

AI Search Keywords

non-traditional musical works, non-musical works, musical work definition, spoken word, nature sounds, comedy recordings, public domain works, royalty eligibility, Public Search, copyrightable authorship, musical composition, work eligibility, royalty qualification [Non-tradit...ical works | PDF]

Agent Notes

Public Domain Works Overview

Public domain works are not owned by any individual or entity. Because these works are in the United States public domain, no one can claim ownership of the original composition, and no royalties are owed to the original composer. However, original arrangements of public domain works may be eligible for registration and royalty collection if the arranger controls the rights to the new, original contribution. [Public domain works | PDF]

Public Domain Ownership and Royalties

Can I register a public domain work and earn royalties?

No one can claim ownership of an original song or composition that is in the United States public domain. Public domain works may be freely used, and no royalties are owed to the original composer. [Public domain works | PDF]

Can I earn royalties from a public domain work?

You may be able to collect royalties if you created an original arrangement of a public domain work and control the rights to that arrangement. Royalties would apply to your original contribution, not the underlying public domain composition. [Public domain works | PDF]

Do I need to allocate shares to the original composer?

No. You are not required to credit or allocate ownership shares to the traditional composer of a public domain work. [Public domain works | PDF]

Can anyone own a public domain composition?

No. Public domain works are not subject to ownership claims for the original composition. [Public domain works | PDF]

Registering an Arrangement of a Public Domain Work

How do I register my arrangement of a public domain work?

If you created an original arrangement of a public domain work:

Should I register the original composition or my arrangement?

You should only register your original arrangement if you have added original copyrightable contributions and control the rights to that arrangement. [Public domain works | PDF]

What if the original composer is unknown?

You may enter**"Public Domain"** as the composer name and identify yourself as the arranger. [Public domain works | PDF]

Arranger Information

Can I be credited as the arranger?

Yes. If you created an original arrangement of a public domain work, you may list yourself as the arranger. [Public domain works | PDF]

Do I need the original composer's writer IPI?

No. A writer IPI is not required when listing the original composer of a public domain work. [Public domain works | PDF]

Who receives royalties for an original arrangement?

If eligible, royalties would be associated with the original arrangement contribution controlled by the arranger, not the underlying public domain composition. [Public domain works | PDF]

Common User Questions

Can I claim ownership of a public domain song?

No. Public domain songs cannot be owned or claimed by any individual for the original composition. [Public domain works | PDF]

I arranged a public domain song. Can I register it?

Yes. If you created your own original arrangement and control the rights to that arrangement, you may register that original contribution. [Public domain works | PDF]

Do I need to pay or allocate royalties to the original composer?

No. Public domain works do not require royalty payments or ownership allocations to the original composer. [Public domain works | PDF]

What composer name should I enter if the original author is unknown?

You may enter**"Public Domain"** as the composer name and list yourself as the arranger. [Public domain works | PDF]

Can I register a traditional folk song?

If the song is in the public domain and you have created an original arrangement, you may register your arrangement and identify yourself as the arranger. [Public domain works | PDF]

Suggested AI Response

"Public domain works cannot be owned, and no royalties are owed to the original composer. However, if you created an original arrangement of a public domain work and control the rights to that arrangement, you may be able to register and collect royalties on your original contribution. When registering the arrangement, you may list the original composer and yourself as the arranger. If the original author is unknown, you may enter 'Public Domain' as the composer name and list yourself as the arranger." [Public domain works | PDF]

AI Search Keywords

public domain works, public domain song, public domain composition, original arrangement, arranger, arranger royalties, register public domain work, arranger credit, public domain composer, traditional song, folk song registration, public domain ownership, original contribution, composer unknown, public domain arrangement [Public domain works | PDF]

Agent Notes

Work Registration Has Been Pending Over 3 Weeks Overview

Most work registrations are processed within one week. However, due to submission volume and manual review requirements, processing may take up to three weeks or longer in certain cases. If a work registration has been pending for more than three weeks, additional review may be necessary to determine the status of the submission. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Registration Pending for More Than 3 Weeks

My work registration has been pending for more than three weeks. What should I do?

If a registration has remained pending beyond the expected processing window, the submission should be reviewed using the Reference ID(s) listed in Registration History. Additional investigation may be needed to determine whether the work is still being processed, has been successfully added, or was rejected. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

How long does work registration typically take?

Once submitted, works are typically processed within one week. However, due to current volume, processing may take up to three weeks. Some submissions may require manual review, which can result in additional delays. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Why is my work still pending?

Common reasons for extended processing include:

Registration Successfully Added

What if my work was successfully processed?

If review confirms the work has been successfully added, allow 24 to 48 hours for the work to appear in your catalog. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Why can't I see the work in my catalog yet?

Catalog visibility may be delayed after processing. Successfully added works can take up to 24 to 48 hours to appear. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Registration Was Rejected

What if my work registration was rejected?

Rejected works must generally be corrected and resubmitted through Member Hub. The specific next steps depend on the rejection reason. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

How do I find the rejection reason?

You can review rejected submissions in the Completed tab of Registration History. Rejection reasons are associated with each submission. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

How long will a resubmission take?

After resubmitting corrected information, works are typically processed within one week but may take up to three weeks depending on volume and whether manual review is required. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Common Rejection Reasons

The work was submitted outside the member's hierarchy

This can occur when the publisher listed on the registration does not match the member's name or an entity within the member's hierarchy. The relationship between the member and the publisher may need to be verified. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

The member used a company name instead of their Member name

Work registrations must use the appropriate Member name or an approved entity within the member's hierarchy. A mismatch between the registered publisher and the Member record may result in rejection. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

The member needs a hierarchy relationship established

If the member administers multiple publishing entities or has an administrative relationship with another publisher, a hierarchy relationship may need to be established before registration can proceed successfully. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

A self-administered songwriter listed themselves as an administrator

Self-administered songwriters generally should not list themselves as the administrator of their own works. Instead, they should select their Member name as the publisher when submitting registrations. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

The work was submitted without a Composer/Author

At least one Composer/Author or Composer writer role is required for a work registration. Works submitted without these roles will need to be corrected and resubmitted. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

The work has claim conflicts

A submission may be rejected if ownership shares conflict with claims that already exist for the work. In some cases, members may need to initiate a catalog transfer or conflict dispute process. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

The rejection references Publisher Services

If the rejection states:

"Substantiating documentation was not provided within the time limit of the overclaim review process..."

the member should contact publisherservices@themlc.com for additional assistance regarding the rejection and any available next steps. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Member Name Issues

My work was rejected because the publisher name does not match my Member name. What should I do?

The publisher listed on a registration must match the member's name or an entity within the member's hierarchy. If the Member name needs to be updated, the member may need to request a Member name change before resubmitting the work. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Can I resubmit rejected works after my Member name is corrected?

Yes. Once the Member name and registration information are aligned, previously rejected works may be reviewed and resubmitted. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Common User Questions

My registration has been pending for over three weeks. Is something wrong?

Not necessarily. While most works process within one week, high volume and manual review can extend timelines beyond three weeks. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

How do I know if my work was rejected?

Review the Completed tab of Registration History for the submission status and associated rejection reason. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Why was my work rejected for hierarchy reasons?

The publisher listed on the registration may not match the Member name or a valid entity within the member's hierarchy. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

I administer multiple publishers. Can that cause a rejection?

Yes. If the required hierarchy relationship is not established correctly, the submission may be rejected until the hierarchy is updated. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Why was my work rejected for missing writer information?

At least one Composer/Author or Composer role must be included on the work registration. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

What happens if there is a claim conflict?

The member may need to work through a catalog transfer process or initiate a conflict dispute depending on the circumstances and existing ownership claims. [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Suggested AI Response

"If your work registration has been pending for more than three weeks, it may require additional review or manual processing. Most works are processed within one week, but higher submission volumes and manual reviews can extend processing times. If the registration was rejected, review the rejection reason in your Registration History and correct any issues before resubmitting. Common rejection reasons include hierarchy issues, publisher name mismatches, missing composer information, and ownership claim conflicts." [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

AI Search Keywords

work registration pending, pending over 3 weeks, delayed registration, registration status, registration rejected, work rejection, hierarchy issue, publisher mismatch, member name mismatch, claim conflict, ownership conflict, missing composer, composer author required, catalog transfer, overclaim review, Publisher Services, registration timeline, manual review [Work regis...weeks 3.0 | PDF]

Agent Notes