{"id":146939,"date":"2025-11-28T16:57:57","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T16:57:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cmrra.ca\/?page_id=146939"},"modified":"2025-11-28T16:57:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T16:57:58","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cmrra.ca\/fr\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row row_height_percent=\u00a0\u00bb35″ override_padding=\u00a0\u00bbyes\u00a0\u00bb h_padding=\u00a0\u00bb2″ top_padding=\u00a0\u00bb4″ bottom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb4″ back_color=\u00a0\u00bbcolor-wayh\u00a0\u00bb back_image=\u00a0\u00bb145544″ back_position=\u00a0\u00bbcenter bottom\u00a0\u00bb parallax=\u00a0\u00bbyes\u00a0\u00bb overlay_color=\u00a0\u00bbaccent\u00a0\u00bb overlay_alpha=\u00a0\u00bb50″ overlay_color_blend=\u00a0\u00bboverlay\u00a0\u00bb gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb3″ column_width_percent=\u00a0\u00bb100″ shift_y=\u00a0\u00bb0″ z_index=\u00a0\u00bb0″ enable_bottom_divider=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb bottom_divider=\u00a0\u00bbgradient\u00a0\u00bb shape_bottom_h_use_pixel=\u00a0\u00bbtrue\u00a0\u00bb shape_bottom_height_percent=\u00a0\u00bb100″ shape_bottom_color=\u00a0\u00bbcolor-wayh\u00a0\u00bb shape_bottom_opacity=\u00a0\u00bb50″ shape_bottom_index=\u00a0\u00bb0″ content_parallax=\u00a0\u00bb0″ uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb184127″ back_color_type=\u00a0\u00bbuncode-palette\u00a0\u00bb shape_bottom_color_type=\u00a0\u00bbuncode-palette\u00a0\u00bb overlay_color_type=\u00a0\u00bbuncode-palette\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column column_width_percent=\u00a0\u00bb100″ position_vertical=\u00a0\u00bbbottom\u00a0\u00bb gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb3″ style=\u00a0\u00bbdark\u00a0\u00bb overlay_alpha=\u00a0\u00bb50″ shift_x=\u00a0\u00bb0″ shift_y=\u00a0\u00bb0″ shift_y_down=\u00a0\u00bb0″ z_index=\u00a0\u00bb0″ medium_width=\u00a0\u00bb0″ mobile_width=\u00a0\u00bb0″ zoom_width=\u00a0\u00bb0″ zoom_height=\u00a0\u00bb0″ width=\u00a0\u00bb1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb335162″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=\u00a0\u00bbh1″ text_size=\u00a0\u00bbfontsize-445851″ text_weight=\u00a0\u00bb700″ text_height=\u00a0\u00bbfontheight-578034″ text_uppercase=\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0\u00bb uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb245493″ el_class=\u00a0\u00bbmy-heading\u00a0\u00bb]FAQ[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=\u00a0\u00bbh3″ text_size=\u00a0\u00bbh3″ text_space=\u00a0\u00bbfontspace-781688″ uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb453348″]Frequently Asked Questions[\/vc_custom_heading][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=\u00a0\u00bb0″ back_color=\u00a0\u00bbcolor-xsdn\u00a0\u00bb overlay_alpha=\u00a0\u00bb50″ gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb3″ column_width_percent=\u00a0\u00bb100″ shift_y=\u00a0\u00bb0″ z_index=\u00a0\u00bb0″ content_parallax=\u00a0\u00bb0″ uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb549227″ back_color_type=\u00a0\u00bbuncode-palette\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column column_width_percent=\u00a0\u00bb100″ gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb3″ font_family=\u00a0\u00bbfont-136269″ back_color=\u00a0\u00bbcolor-xsdn\u00a0\u00bb overlay_alpha=\u00a0\u00bb50″ shift_x=\u00a0\u00bb0″ shift_y=\u00a0\u00bb0″ shift_y_down=\u00a0\u00bb0″ z_index=\u00a0\u00bb0″ medium_width=\u00a0\u00bb0″ mobile_width=\u00a0\u00bb0″ width=\u00a0\u00bb1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb118026″ back_color_type=\u00a0\u00bbuncode-palette\u00a0\u00bb][vc_tabs vertical=\u00a0\u00bbyes\u00a0\u00bb typography=\u00a0\u00bbadvanced\u00a0\u00bb tab_h_border=\u00a0\u00bbyes\u00a0\u00bb tab_custom_size=\u00a0\u00bbyes\u00a0\u00bb tab_size=\u00a0\u00bb3″ tab_gap=\u00a0\u00bb2″ custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bbyes\u00a0\u00bb gutter_tab=\u00a0\u00bb1″ active_bg_color=\u00a0\u00bbcolor-lxmt\u00a0\u00bb active_txt_color=\u00a0\u00bbaccent\u00a0\u00bb accordion_bp=\u00a0\u00bbyes\u00a0\u00bb uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb434992″ active_bg_color_type=\u00a0\u00bbuncode-palette\u00a0\u00bb active_txt_color_type=\u00a0\u00bbuncode-palette\u00a0\u00bb][vc_tab gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb0″ column_padding=\u00a0\u00bb0″ title=\u00a0\u00bbGeneral Questions\u00a0\u00bb tab_id=\u00a0\u00bb1751550872-1-95″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb109067″]<\/p>\n

What Does CMRRA Do?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

CMRRA is a reproduction rights agency focusing on licensing, collecting and distributing mechanical royalties for the majority of songs recorded, sold and broadcast in Canada. Our clients include large multi-national and independent music publishers to individual self-published songwriters.<\/p>\n

Who Can Sign Up?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Representation by CMRRA is open to any person, firm, or corporation that owns or administers one or more musical works in the territory of Canada. Residing in Canada is not a requirement for affiliating with CMRRA. If you\u2019re a songwriter who hasn\u2019t assigned your songs to a publisher, administrator, or third party, you can also affiliate with CMRRA as a self-published songwriter.<\/p>\n

How Do I Sign Up?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You can find our affiliation package here<\/a>. All potential lines of business are listed, and you can choose any or all forms of representation. Our flexible a la carte model allows you to choose the options best suited to your needs.<\/p>\n

Please complete pages 2 and 3 and email them to registrations@cmrra.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Who Does CMRRA Work With?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

We work with music publishers and self-published songwriters to collect reproduction royalties in Canada. We also work with licensees operating in Canada to ensure all music use is properly licensed and royalties are accurately collected on behalf of our clients.<\/p>\n

What’s the difference between reproduction and performing rights?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The reproduction right, often referred to as the \u201cmechanical right,\u201d grants permission to reproduce a musical work in various formats, including streaming, downloads, CDs, and vinyl. CMRRA was created over 50 years ago to help publishers manage their reproduction rights in Canada.<\/p>\n

The Performance right covers the public use of music, whether played on TV, radio, digital platforms, streaming services, or live by the songwriter or others. In Canada, SOCAN oversees these rights.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tab][vc_tab gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb0″ column_padding=\u00a0\u00bb0″ title=\u00a0\u00bbMusic Copyright and Publishing\u00a0\u00bb tab_id=\u00a0\u00bb1751550872-2-64″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb459246″]<\/p>\n

What is a music copyright?<\/h4>\n

A music copyright is a legal concept that gives the creator of an original musical work the exclusive right to control how their music is used, reproduced, and distributed<\/p>\n

What is a music publisher?<\/h4>\n

A music publisher owns or administers a copyright, representing the songwriter and working to maximize revenue from their catalog. Publishers share revenue with songwriters and may handle reproduction, performance, and synchronization rights. Some songwriters act as their own publishers and handle all these responsibilities themselves.<\/p>\n

What are the different types of music rights?<\/h4>\n

Reproduction Right:<\/strong> Covers the reproduction of the composition itself, often needed for physical copies or digital downloads. This is handled by CMRRA.<\/p>\n

Performance Right:<\/strong> Allows the public performance or broadcast of the musical composition (the written song) and sometimes the sound recording itself. This is handled by SOCAN.<\/p>\n

Neighbouring Right:<\/strong> Allows the public performance or broadcast of the sound recording, separate from the composition. This is handled by ACTRA-RACS, Re:Sound, or ARTISI.<\/p>\n

Master Recording Right:<\/strong> Grants permission to reproduce the actual sound recording or master. For major labels, CONNECT Music Licensing manages this, while independent rights owners are handled by Panorama (Previously SOPROQ).<\/p>\n

How do I obtain clearance for a song with a sample or mashup?<\/h4>\n

If you incorporate any part of another song into your own musical work that you don\u2019t own or control, you must obtain consent from the owners of those copyrights. This is required for the musical work and, if you are also using the original sound recording, from the owner of the recording (typically the record label). CMRRA is not able to obtain these clearances for you.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tab][vc_tab gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb0″ column_padding=\u00a0\u00bb0″ title=\u00a0\u00bbGeneral Licensing\u00a0\u00bb tab_id=\u00a0\u00bb1751550977399-2-6″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb165595″]<\/p>\n

Do I need to apply for a licence to record my own work?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re the sole copyright owner and haven\u2019t assigned your rights to a publisher or third party, you don\u2019t need to apply to CMRRA for a licence or pay mechanical royalties for using your own work, even if CMRRA represents you.<\/p>\n

However, if you don\u2019t own 100% of the copyright, you\u2019ll need to get a licence for the portion you don\u2019t control.<\/p>\n

What if I want to record a medley that includes someone else\u2019s song along with my own songs?<\/h4>\n

As mentioned above, you do not need to apply to CMRRA for a licence to use your own musical works, but you will need to apply for any songs you may be including in a medley that you do not own or control.<\/p>\n

I want to include a song on my product that was written more than 50 years ago. Is it in the public domain?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

As of December 30, 2022, the term of copyright in Canada was extended from 50 years after the death of the last surviving author to 70 years after the death of the last surviving author.\u00a0 All copyright protected works whose copyright already expired on or before December 2021 will remain in the public domain; however, works for which the last surviving author died on January 1, 1972 or later will have copyright protection for a period of 70 years following the end of the year of death of that last surviving author.<\/p>\n

As an example, if a writer died on July 30, 1972, his or her solely written works will go into the public domain on January 1, 2043. If a writer died on July 30, 1971, his or her solely written works went into public domain on January 1, 2022.<\/p>\n

For licensing purposes, please note there are many copyrighted arrangements of public domain works. A licence will be required to reproduce these. If a song is confirmed to be in the public domain, and you\u2019re producing your own arrangement, you do not require a licence and no royalties are owed.<\/p>\n

I want to sample a recording and use it in my song. Do I have to pay?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. To legally sample a song or recording you don\u2019t own, you need permission from the copyright owners of both the song and the recording.<\/p>\n

Start by contacting the record company that released the recording to obtain a \u201cmaster rights\u201d license. Then, get permission from the music publisher to sample the song.<\/p>\n

Sample clearance can take time, so allow enough time for licensing. Once permission is granted, you must apply for a mechanical license through CMRRA\u2019s \u201cPay-As-You-Press\u201d method, including the publisher\u2019s authorization.<\/p>\n

Can I change the lyrics to a song, or use the music alone and add my own words?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

CMRRA can grant mechanical licenses for reproducing musical works, but the music and lyrics must remain the same as the original. Changes to the lyrics, melody, or structure require approval from the publisher(s) and possibly the author(s) before a license can be granted. If multiple publishers own the work, all must approve. We recommend securing the necessary rights before recording your version.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tab][vc_tab gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb0″ column_padding=\u00a0\u00bb0″ title=\u00a0\u00bbOnline Licensing\u00a0\u00bb tab_id=\u00a0\u00bb1751558565494-3-3″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb155677″]<\/p>\n

I am reproducing music for the purpose of online music distribution, e.g. permanent downloads, streaming, webcasting, do I need a license?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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\u2019s repertoire.<\/p>\n

If you plan to stream or sell digital downloads via 3rd party distributors (such as CD Baby and Bandcamp) or plan to stream or sell digital downloads from your own website, please contact CMRRA for licensing.<\/p>\n

Do I need to seek a licence from CMRRA for offering music downloads or streams in Canada?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes, if you\u2019re a record label or company offering tracks online, either through your own website or a third-party service, you need to obtain a licence from CMRRA for the reproduction of musical works in their repertoire. You can begin the licensing process by contacting CMRRA here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tab][vc_tab gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb0″ column_padding=\u00a0\u00bb0″ title=\u00a0\u00bbSynchronization Licensing\u00a0\u00bb tab_id=\u00a0\u00bb1751558582851-4-6″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb204014″]<\/p>\n

What is Synchronization Licensing?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Synchronization licensing allows the use of a copyrighted song in audiovisual content like films, TV shows, or commercials. It requires the publisher\u2019s permission, which is granted through a negotiated license. This must be obtained before the content is produced or aired. For more details, contact the publisher of the song.<\/p>\n

How do I obtain a synchronization licence?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

CMRRA no longer handles synchronization licensing. To obtain a licence, contact the music publisher or copyright owner of the song directly.<\/p>\n

What is a post-synchronization licence?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A post-synchronization licence covers the reproduction of a musical work in audiovisual content, like films, TV shows, commercials, or user-generated content, when copies of that content are made. If the original synchronization licence doesn\u2019t cover these reproductions, a post-synchronization licence may be required. For more information, please contact us here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tab][vc_tab gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb0″ column_padding=\u00a0\u00bb0″ title=\u00a0\u00bbLicensing Physical Products\u00a0\u00bb tab_id=\u00a0\u00bb1751558590166-5-10″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb783422″]<\/p>\n

What if I apply for licence, but the song is not represented by CMRRA?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If you have submitted a licence application and royalty payment for a work that CMRRA does not represent, we will issue a refund cheque to you once we have processed your application. Please note that CMRRA will only refund the royalties you have paid, and not the handling fee charged to process your application.<\/p>\n

What happens if I don\u2019t apply for a mechanical licence?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Manufacturing or importing recordings without a licence infringes copyright and can lead to legal action, including fines, injunctions, and product removal. Distributors, wholesalers, and retailers handling unlicensed music are also liable. To comply with Canadian law, you must obtain a licence.<\/p>\n

What is a pressing order? Why is it required?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A pressing order is a document sent by you to the manufacturer that confirms the number of units of your product that will be pressed. If you are manufacturing the product yourself, please submit a signed and dated written statement detailing the number of units manufactured.<\/p>\n

What is the minimum press quantity?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The minimum pay-as-you-press quantity is 500.<\/p>\n

Can the manufacturer start pressing my product as soon as I send my royalty payment to CMRRA?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

No. A licence must be issued to you before your product can be manufactured. The fact that you have sent CMRRA a licence application and a royalty payment does not mean that we will be able to issue the licence you need for your project.<\/p>\n

The manufacturer tells me that it cannot press my product until I have my licences, and CMRRA tells me that it cannot issue licences without a pressing order. How does this work?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The pressing order is a document you must submit to the manufacturer to place your order for a certain number of units. The manufacturer can (and should) put your order on hold until such time as your licence has been issued. We require that you submit a copy of this pressing order along with your licence application and royalty payment. Once the licence has been issued, you\u2019ll be able to return to the manufacturer and get your order processed.<\/p>\n

How do I extract the Application for Mechanical Licences (Excel version) from the .Zip folder?<\/h4>\n

The files in a .zip folder are compressed. Once you\u2019ve downloaded the folder, right click and select \u201cExtract All\u201d to extract the files to a new folder where they can then be opened. Alternatively, you can double click on the folder, \u201ccopy all\u201d files and\u00a0paste<\/em>\u00a0or\u00a0move<\/em>\u00a0them to them to a new folder where they can be opened., i.e. files will not work properly if opened from within a .zip folder.<\/p>\n

How long can the licensing process take?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You can expect to receive your licences typically within three weeks, although processing times may take as long as six weeks during peak periods. You will receive an email confirmation once your licences have been issued and provided with instructions on how to retrieve the details from our CMRRA Direct online portal.<\/p>\n

What are the methods of payment?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Payment can be made to CMRRA by way of:<\/p>\n

1) online credit card payment<\/a><\/p>\n

2) certified cheque<\/p>\n

3) money order<\/p>\n

4) in-person debit\/credit payments available at CMRRA\u2019s office by appointment only on Wednesdays or Thursdays, or<\/p>\n

5) non-certified personal cheque (where payment is made by cheque, your licence application will not be processed until your cheque has been cashed \u2013 usually one week from receipt).<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your refund policy?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Once a licence is issued, CMRRA cannot refund or credit royalties if you choose not to use the work. Ensure your selections are final before completing the licensing process.<\/p>\n

If a licence has not been issued and you no longer need the work, CMRRA will refund the royalty portion of your payment, but the Handling Fee is non-refundable.<\/p>\n

I obtained a licence for a previous pressing of my CD. Do I need a licence for subsequent pressings?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. The Pay-As-You-Press\u00a0licence issued to you by CMRRA is limited to the number of units you manufactured and paid for. If you intend to manufacture more than the number of units specified on your licence, you need to obtain a new licence to cover those additional units.<\/p>\n

Can CMRRA send copies of my application\/royalty payment\/licences to my presser?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

No. It is the applicant\u2019s responsibility to retain copies of his or her application forms, royalty payment and licences for this purpose. CMRRA does not forward copies of licences or other documents to anyone but the applicant.<\/p>\n

Can music publishers demand a higher royalty rate than the standard outlined?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes, but very few of the publishers represented by CMRRA do. We\u2019ll let you know if your licence application is subject to a higher royalty rate once we\u2019ve had the opportunity to review it.<\/p>\n

Do I need a license for promotional and charity related pressings?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes, a license is required for promotional and charity pressings. All reproductions must be licensed at the applicable royalty rate, regardless of purpose or quantity.<\/p>\n

I want to make a demo CD. Do I have to obtain licences and pay royalties?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. You must obtain licences for the musical works reproduced in your demo. You will be required to obtain licences using our \u201cPay-As-You-Press\u201d plan.<\/p>\n

How do I license a medley? Why are the individual songs in the medley licensed separately?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Each song in a medley is individually licensed at the same royalty rate as non-medley works. You must indicate on the Mechanical Licences form that the work is part of a medley and provide the duration for that specific portion, not the entire medley.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tab][vc_tab gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb0″ column_padding=\u00a0\u00bb0″ title=\u00a0\u00bbCross-border Licensing\u00a0\u00bb tab_id=\u00a0\u00bb1751558602685-6-7″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb131984″]<\/p>\n

Do I need a mechanical licence to import products into Canada?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. If you sell or distribute recordings in Canada, they must be licensed here, even if made elsewhere. Foreign manufacturers usually can\u2019t clear Canadian royalties, so you must obtain a mechanical licence from CMRRA.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m pressing my CD in the U.S. but distributing in Canada. Do I need a licence?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. If you\u2019re importing copies into Canada, you must obtain a licence from CMRRA and pay royalties on those copies. For small quantities, use CMRRA\u2019s \u201cpay-as-you-press\/import\u201d plan with a cross-border confirmation.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m pressing my CD in Canada but don\u2019t live there. Can CMRRA issue a licence?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes, if the copies will be sold or distributed in Canada. However, CMRRA cannot license copies exported outside Canada. For small quantities, use the Pay-As-You-Press plan with a cross-border confirmation.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m pressing my CD in Canada but want to export copies to another country? Can CMRRA issue licences?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

CMRRA can only issue licences for the copies that remain for sale or other distribution in Canada. You will need to seek licences for the exported units from the licensing collective in the country of destination.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tab][vc_tab gutter_size=\u00a0\u00bb0″ column_padding=\u00a0\u00bb0″ title=\u00a0\u00bbCounterclaims\u00a0\u00bb tab_id=\u00a0\u00bb1751558610691-7-5″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=\u00a0\u00bb774642″]<\/p>\n

What is a counterclaim?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If songwriters or rights holders claim more than 100% of song splits (e.g., 60\/60 instead of 60\/40), CMRRA will flag the song as a potential dispute and notify all claimants. If no response or changes are received from the claimants, the song will be placed into dispute status.<\/p>\n

Who should I contact at CMRRA about a counterclaim?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Please email counterclaims@cmrra.ca<\/a> with any questions, amendments or revisions.<\/p>\n

Why am I receiving notification of a counterclaim on my song?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

CMRRA contacts all parties involved in a work with disputed shares and proactively verifies if updated claim information is available from rights holders in order to avoid placing a song into dispute status.<\/p>\n

How do I resolve a counterclaim? Will CMRRA tell me when it\u2019s resolved?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

CMRRA does not handle counterclaim resolutions and will hold records until receiving written confirmation to update the file.<\/p>\n

How long do I have to resolve a counterclaim?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

CMRRA allows 10 business days to confirm a claim. After that, titles will be placed into dispute. If you need more time, request an extension. Once in dispute, a title stays in dispute until CMRRA receives claim amendments.<\/p>\n

What happens to the royalties for songs in dispute?<\/h4>\n

CMRRA will hold royalties related to disputed work shares until the dispute is resolved.<\/p>\n

Where can a rights holder find titles that currently have an \u201cIn Dispute\u201d status?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Rights holders can find a list of current titles that are in a formal dispute status by logging into CMRRA Direct.<\/p>\n