Notice of Intention to Obtain a Compulsory License
Section 115


On October 11, 2018, the Orrin G. Hatch–Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act (MMA) was signed into law. Among other things, it makes significant changes to the section 115 compulsory license. In accordance with the new law, the Copyright Office no longer accepts section 115 notices of intention to obtain a compulsory license for making a digital phonorecord delivery of a musical work. The Office will continue to accept notices of intention with respect to phonorecords that are not digital phonorecord deliveries (e.g., for CDs, vinyl records, tapes, and other physical media). Please visit the Office’s MMA homepage for more information.


The Compulsory Licensing Provisions

Section 115 of the Copyright Act provides a compulsory license to make and distribute phonorecords, subject to certain terms and conditions of use.


A Notice of Intention (NOI) may be filed with the Licensing Division of the Copyright Office under certain circumstances. Such NOIs may be submitted to the Office either electronically or in paper hard copy. Requirements and instructions for electronic submissions are available here.