The Standard MLA Format applies only to mechanical licensing in Canada. It is designed for labels with larger volume sales that are equipped and staffed to meet all of the requirements outlined in one of the two allowable formats (data file or Excel). Here is an overview of the requirements of the Standard MLA Format:
a) Set up and maintain an error free royalty accounting system
b) Produce error-free royalty statements at a song level
c) Produce a publisher summary
d) Maintain an unlicensed recording list (pending list) on a quarterly basis.
e) Seek licences in a timely manner and provide all necessary back up information, including Controlled Compositions clauses, direct licences and reduced rates approvals. A licence application is composed of one (1) copy of each CD, LP, MC or DR version of each Recording which it releases for sale to the public. The manufacturer will at the same time provide CMRRA with sufficient information (including song title, author/composer/arranger and publisher) to identify the musical works reproduced on each release.
f) Keep up with the flow of licences and amended licences
g) Fix errors in a timely manner
h) Pay royalties by the due dates: February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15.
i) Provide a price structure list (for labels that have budget products). A price structure list comprises of your Best Selling Price, which is the price in effect to the largest-volume dealers purchasing recordings from the manufacturer/ and the Budget Price, which is the best selling price of which is fifty five percent (55%) or less of the Best Selling Price for Full Line Product offered for sale by manufacturer.
j) Keep an update to date list of imported products with cumulative number of units (for labels who import products into Canada)
