The MLA is the standard agreement entered into between CMRRA and record labels doing business in Canada on an ongoing basis. It sets out the standard terms and conditions of mechanical licensing, including application for licenses, royalty rates, royalty reporting and payment requirements, reserve accounting, promotional copies, treatment of delete products and controlled composition clauses.
Licensees under the MLA pay their royalties on a quarterly basis as products are sold and are allowed credit for returns and promotional copies. However, administering the MLA requires a high level of accounting expertise and a significant investment in personnel and systems. To see if you meet the criteria for becoming an MLA Independent Licensee, please see “How can I become an MLA signatory?” below.
