► I am reproducing music for the purpose of online music distribution, e.g. permanent downloads, streaming, webcasting
If you plan to distribute recordings to Canadian consumers via a licensed third-party online music service, such as iTunes, Spotify, Meta (Facebook & Instagram), TikTok, or YouTube, you are not required to obtain a reproduction rights licence for the musical works embedded in those recordings. In Canada, CMRRA licences these services directly, and they will be responsible for reporting and paying royalties for use of CMRRA’s repertoire.
If you plan to stream or sell digital downloads via 3rd party distributors (such as CD Baby or Bandcamp) then you must approach the publisher(s) directly for mechanical licensing. Please ensure you are familiar with the terms and conditions of your online music service you upload music to.
If you plan to stream or sell digital downloads from your own website, CMRRA can licence the use of its repertoire pursuant to a direct agreement with you, and subject to our contracting and reporting standards.
► Who handles online licensing and royalties in Canada?
CMRRA licenses its repertoire to the online music services – more here.
Since the launch of the first online music service in Canada in 2003, CMRRA has received complete usage data from its many online music licensees. This data has given CMRRA a complete picture of the online music market in Canada and has allowed it to build a vast database of matched sound recording and musical work information. This historical usage data allows CMRRA to quickly and easily invoice, collect and distribute royalties including those for newly represented or newly registered copyright ownership shares.
► I am a record label, do I need to seek online licences in Canada?
If you are offering tracks online on your own, from your own website or otherwise, and without the services of a third party online music service, then you are required to seek licences from CMRRA for this purpose.
► I am a company or service offering downloads or streams of musical works to Canadians. How do I begin the licensing process?
CMRRA issues licences in Canada for the reproduction of musical works in CMRRA’s repertoire by online music services. Inquires to CMRRA can be made using the following: https://www.cmrra.ca/contact-us/.
► If I have an online licence from CMRRA, do I need any other licences?
Most likely yes. Although CMRRA represents the vast majority of music publishers and music copyright owners doing business in Canada, there may be some musical works which are not part of our repertoire that you may need to license directly from their owners or authorized representatives. You may also need a licence from SOCAN for the telecommunication right and/or from Connect Music Licensing for the use of master recordings. For more information, please see our General Licensing FAQ.
