Since April 2024, we have been distributing matched historical royalties for usage that took place during the Phono 3 rate period in sets. For each set of royalties from a given DSP (or DSPs), we first distribute matched historical royalties for previously unpaid uses reported by the DSP(s) concerned, then we aim to distribute matched historical royalties for previously partially paid uses from the same DSP(s) the following month. This month, we distributed the second set of Phono 3 historical royalties from iHeart in the amount of $233k, plus $11k of Phono 2 royalties due to reprocessing.

Overall, The MLC has been able to match and distribute over $229 million — nearly 58 percent — of the $397 million in previously unmatched historical royalties that DSPs transferred to us in 2021.

Broken down by rate period, we have now distributed:

  • Over 93 percent of the previously unmatched historical royalties for uses that took place during the Phono 1 rate period (2008-2012);
  • Nearly 54 percent of the previously unmatched royalties for uses that took place during the Phono 2 rate period (2013-2017); and
  • Over 58 percent of the previously unmatched royalties for uses that took place during the Phono 3 rate period (2018-2020).

Consistent with the way we’ve handled matched historical royalties in the past, the matched historical royalties we distributed this month are clearly identified on your royalty statements, and we specify the usage month for these historical royalties just like we do for blanket royalties. As we have always done, we’ve distributed matched historical royalties using the same payee data that we used to distribute blanket royalties (i.e., we’ve distributed royalties to the “current payee” registered in The MLC’s database, as reflected in the snapshot of ownership data we used for this month’s blanket royalty distribution).

What’s Next? 

We have now distributed nearly all of the previously unmatched historical royalties for usage that took place during the Phono 3 rate period. The only remaining historical royalties from the Phono 3 period that we have yet to process were transferred by FanLabel and Weav. Unfortunately, issues with the data these DSPs provided have prevented us from processing these royalties. Since the total amount of royalties transferred by these two DSPs is only a little over $16k, we plan to revisit these royalties later in the year.

Where Can I Learn More?

To see the progress we’ve made so far distributing historical unmatched royalties, you can view our Historical Royalties Dashboard here.

If you have any questions about any of these updates, or anything else related to The MLC, please don’t hesitate to contact our Support Team.