Bulk Match Submission Process

Guidelines

Purpose

This document outlines the required format and content for CSV files to be submitted, containing information about the proposed links between ISRC and MLC Song Codes. Proper adherence to this specification will ensure seamless processing of your data.

File Format

File Type: CSV (Comma-Separated Values)
File Encoding: UTF-8
Delimiter: Comma (,)

Column Definitions

Column Name	Description	Format	Example
ISRC	The International Standard Recording Code assigned to a recording.	Alphanumeric, 12 characters	TCAEW2013100
MLC Song Code	The MLC Song Code assigned to the work.	Alphanumeric	CC5LN2

Formatting Rules

Header Row:
- The CSV must include a header row with the column names: ISRC and MLC Song Code.
- Example of a valid header row: ISRC, MLC Song Code
ISRC Column:
- Required column.
- Must contain exactly 12 alphanumeric characters.
- Ensure no extra spaces, punctuation, or special characters.
- The ISRC must follow the ISO 3901 standard.
MLC Song Code Column:
- Alphanumeric characters.
- No special characters, spaces, or leading zeros unless explicitly required.
Empty Rows:
- Do not include blank rows or columns in the file.
Duplicates:
- Ensure no duplicate entries for a particular ISRC.
Missing ISRC:
- Ensure there are not rows with a missing ISRC.
Retracting a previously submitted suggestion:
- If you want to retract a previously submitted suggestion submit a row with the ISRC with an empty MLC Song Code. Any rows with an empty MLC Song Code we will interpret as meaning you do not have a suggestion for the submitted ISRC.

Sample CSV

Here is an example of a properly formatted CSV file:

Bulk Matching CSV Example

Submission Guidelines

File Naming Convention:
- Please name the file in the following format: MemberName_BulkMatchSuggestions_YYYYMMDD.csv
- Example: AcmeMusic_ BulkMatchSuggestions_20241206.csv
Delivery Method: Submit the file via email to bulk.matching@themlc.com

Validation Checklist

Before submitting the file, please verify the following:

✅ The file is saved in CSV format with UTF-8 encoding.
✅ All ISRC entries are exactly 12 characters long and follow the standard format.
✅ The MLC Song Code entries are correctly formatted and match an existing work.
✅ There are no duplicate, blank rows or rows with a missing ISRC.

FAQs

What is the Bulk Match Submission Process?

The Bulk Match Submission Process allows for high-volume, automated matching of recordings to musical works using The MLC’s Supplemental Matching Network. This process significantly streamlines the matching of large datasets, improving efficiency and accuracy.
Click here to read the announcement about the Supplemental Matching Network.

How do I submit match suggestions through the Bulk Match Submission Process?

To submit your match suggestions, follow the instructions outlined in the "Bulk Match Submission Process Guidelines" page, detailed above. If you need additional assistance or encounter any issues, please reach out to us at publisherservices@themlc.com.

How will I receive responses for my match suggestions?

After submission, you will receive output files containing the results of your match suggestions. These files will provide the match status for each DSP sound recording corresponding with each of your ISRC-to-MLC Song Code match suggestions.

You will receive two output files each month:

Summary File: This file reflects the match statuses of all your Bulk Match submissions to date.
Change File: This file includes the updated match statuses for those submissions that have changed since the previous output.

Each output file will display one of the following four statuses for your match suggestions:

Accepted: Your suggested MLC Song Code matches were successfully accepted and have been updated in The MLC's database.
Accepted – Already a Match: Your suggested MLC Song Code matches were already successfully matched in The MLC's database.
Pending: Your suggested MLC Song Code matches were inconclusive based on our review. Pending matches remain active in our system and will be reassessed during our monthly matching process. As pending matches are either confirmed or rejected, their updated statuses will be included in your monthly output files.
Rejected: Your suggested MLC Song Code matches could not be accepted after our review.

Please note: The matching database is dynamic and continuously updated. As new information becomes available or corrections are identified, match statuses may change over time.

How long will it take to receive responses to my match suggestions?

Our current timeline is 30-90 days.

Does the Bulk Match Submission Process replace The MLC’s Matching Tool?

No, the Bulk Match Submission Process does not replace The MLC’s Matching Tool. The Matching Tool is still available for submitting match suggestions outside of the Bulk Match Submission Process.

What if my match suggestion is rejected, and I disagree?

If your match suggestion is rejected through the Bulk Match Submission Process and you disagree, you can resubmit the suggestion for further review by our Matching team by using The MLC’s Matching Tool. For instructions on how to use the Matching Tool, please review our Help Center article here.