Rights, royalties and the business · updated 2026-08-16
MECHANICAL ROYALTY
Paid to songwriters and publishers for reproductions, including interactive streams. In the US, the MLC administers the blanket licence.

SOURCES AND CITATIONS
Free, primary references for mechanical royalty — standards bodies, manufacturers, government offices and university course material.
RELATED TERMS IN RIGHTS, ROYALTIES AND THE BUSINESS
- PRO
- Neighbouring rights
- Sync licence
- Sample clearance
- Split sheet
- Work for hire
- Distributor vs label
- Advance and recoupment
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