U.S. Copyright Office Announces Instructions for Audit Notices Under the Music Modernization Act

Today, the U.S. Copyright Office announces a new webpage devoted to audit notices under the Music Modernization Act (MMA). The new webpage provides instructions on how to submit MMA audit notices to the Office and will host copies of audit notices received by the Office.

Under the MMA, the mechanical licensing collective (MLC) may periodically audit digital music providers (DMPs) operating under the section 115 blanket license to verify the accuracy of royalty payments made by DMPs to the MLC. Likewise, musical work copyright owners may periodically audit the MLC to verify the accuracy of royalty payments made by the MLC to copyright owners. To commence an audit, a notice of intent to conduct an audit must be filed with the Copyright Office and delivered to the party(ies) being audited. The Office must then cause notice to be published in the Federal Register within forty-five days.