Music Users: Need a Licence?
If you use songs in Canada that you don’t own or control, you must obtain a licence. CMRRA makes this process simple, easy and efficient, ensuring you comply with your legal obligations while staying focused on your business.
Digital Music
Licences for services such as streaming platforms, digital downloads, webcasting, or other forms of digital music services.
Audiovisual Post-Synchronization
Licences for using music embedded in existing TV and online audiovisual services (post-synchronization reproductions including music videos, and user-generated content.)
Broadcast Activities
Licences for satellite radio services, CBC Radio, pay audio services, and background music providers.
Physical Products
Licences for manufacturing physical media like CDs, USBs and vinyl, whether for one-time or ongoing production. Our licenses include:
A Note on Royalties
Royalties are distributed quarterly in March, June, September and December; however, the sources of revenue that are included in each distribution vary. Online and Mechanical royalties are distributed quarterly, provided there is activity to report totaling $15 or greater (gross Canadian). Broadcast mechanical royalties are distributed once or twice a year. Out-of-cycle royalties may also be distributed from time to time under special circumstances.
Rights Management for Music Publishers
As a music licensing agency, CMRRA offers comprehensive licensing and royalty administration services. We ensure that music publishers and self-published songwriters receive accurate licensing, identification, and timely royalty payments across various platforms. There’s no fee to join as a client.
Digital Music
Administration of royalties for the reproduction of songs via digital music services, through streaming, downloads, and webcasting services.
Audiovisual Post-Synchronization
Royalty collection for the reproduction of songs embedded in existing audiovisual content, such as music videos and platforms like YouTube, Meta (Facebook, Messenger, Instagram & Oculus VR), and TikTok.
Broadcast Activities
Management of royalties for music-only broadcasting activities, including radio stations (commercial and non-commercial), CBC Radio, satellite radio services, pay audio services, and background music services.
International Collections
Facilitation of digital mechanical licensing through global partner SX Works in the United States via The MLC and global licensing outside North America through IMPEL.
Physical Products
Royalty administration for songs reproduced on physical formats such as CDs, USBs and vinyl.