Federal Register #Docket No. 2024-1

Regulatory Review of Mechanical Licensing Collective and Digital Licensee Coordinator Designations

This notice provides an update on the regulatory review of two key music industry organizations: - The U.S. Copyright Office, under the Library of Congress, has completed its first periodic review of the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) and Digital Licensee Coordinator (DLC) - Both the MLC and DLC will continue their designations as required by the Music Modernization Act - The MLC is responsible for administering blanket mechanical licenses for digital music services - Has distributed over $3.9 billion in royalties - Achieved a high match rate and increased membership - The DLC, a nonprofit endorsed by digital music providers, continues to meet all statutory, administrative, and technical requirements - No procurement of products or services is involved; this is a regulatory confirmation - Government agencies involved: U.S. Copyright Office and Library of Congress - No OEMs, vendors, or specific products/services are mentioned beyond the designated collectives

Description

The U.S. Copyright Office has completed its first periodic review of the existing designations of the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) and Digital Licensee Coordinator (DLC) as required by the Music Modernization Act. The review determined that both designations should be continued. The MLC has made significant progress in administering a complex licensing system, distributing over $3.9 billion in royalties, and maintaining a high match rate. The DLC continues to meet statutory criteria and possesses the necessary administrative and technical capabilities. The agencies involved are the Library of Congress and the Copyright Office.

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