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What Kind of Licence Do I Need?

CMRRA issues reproduction licences to companies that wish to use music across multiple platforms and formats. Whether you're streaming, broadcasting, or producing physical formats, we simplify the process so your projects are fully licensed and compliant.

Physical Product

(e.g., CD, Vinyl, Cassette, USB)

If reproducing music on physical product for sale or distribution in Canada, where the works are not owned or administered by you, you’ll require a mechanical licence. A mechanical licence grants permission from the copyright owner or music publisher to reproduce their musical work on a physical sound carrier for distribution and sale. If you're using distributors like CD Baby or Bandcamp, contact publishers directly for mechanical licensing. Check your distributor's terms to ensure compliance. CMRRA issues these licences on behalf of its affiliated music publishers in Canada through two types of mechanical licensing models:

Pay-As-You-Press/Import (Limited Quantity Licensing)

This is designed as a one-time application where royalty payment is submitted up front for all copies manufactured. Once we receive your completed application and payment for at least 500 copies, your licence is issued for that quantity.

Mechanical Licensing Agreement (MLA)

The MLA is designed to address the licensing requirements of ongoing new physical releases, with quarterly royalty reporting and payments.

Digital Services

(e.g., Downloads, Streaming, Webcasting)

Using Licensed Online Music Services

Platforms like iTunes, Spotify, Meta, TikTok, or YouTube are already licensed by CMRRA. These digital services submit reporting and royalties to CMRRA in accordance with the terms of their license for the use of music in our repertoire.

Streaming or Selling Directly from Your Website

CMRRA can license music directly for your website, subject to our contracting and reporting standards. Contact us to learn More About Direct Licensing.

Audio-Visual Productions

(e.g., Film, TV, Commercials, DVDs)

Synchronization Licensing

For music used in audio-visual productions, you’ll need a synchronization licence. CMRRA no longer provides sync licensing services, so you’ll need to contact the music publisher or rightsholders directly.

Post-Synchronization Licensing

A post-synchronization licence is required when copies of audiovisual content containing licensed music are made. This applies to finished works such as films, TV programs, commercials, or user-generated content when copies are made. The need for a post-synchronization licence depends on the terms of the original synchronization licence. Contact Us for more Information About Post-Synchronization Licensing.

Radio Broadcasters

CMRRA has tariffs filed with the Copyright Board of Canada for the reproduction of musical works used by broadcasters. Separate tariffs apply to:

  • Commercial Broadcasters
  • Non-Commercial Broadcasters (e.g., campus or community radio)
  • CBC Radio

If you’re broadcasting online only, you’ll need an online music services licence. To learn more, contact us.

Commercial Radio Tariff
Non-Commercial Radio Tariff

Pay Audio Services

CMRRA licenses the use of your work for CRTC licensed pay audio services, like Stingray.

Satellite Radio Broadcasters

Multi-channel subscription satellite radio services, like Sirius XM, are licensed by CMRRA so that you are paid for the reproduction of your music by the service.

Background Music Services

In Canada, background music services, defined as the integration of music, voice, and sound for continuous listening in establishments, require a direct licence with CMRRA.

Contact us to learn more about Background Music Licensing.

Why Choose CMRRA?

No Fee to Join: Affiliating with CMRRA is completely free.Comprehensive Services: From digital streaming to physical media.Expertise You Can Trust: With decades of experience, we are leaders in rights management in Canada.

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