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 first set of Phono 3 historical royalties from Audiomack in the amount of $140k.
We also continued to reprocess the remaining unmatched historical royalties from previous distributions. This month’s distribution included newly matched historical royalties for uses that took place between 2007 and 2017 during the Phono 1 and 2 rate periods, and between 2018 and 2020 during the Phono 3 rate period. As a result of reprocessing these remaining unmatched historical usages, we were able to distribute approximately $1 million in additional historical royalties this month, plus interest, from a number of digital services.
Overall, The MLC has been able to match and distribute more than $228 million—or 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:
- 93.2 percent of the previously unmatched historical royalties for uses that took place during the Phono 1 rate period (2008-2012);
- 53.7 percent of the previously unmatched royalties for uses that took place during the Phono 2 rate period (2013-2017); and
- 58.0 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?
Looking ahead to November, we plan to distribute the second set of matched historical royalties from Audiomack. Consistent with our usual process, the October distribution included the first set—matched historical royalties for previously unpaid uses reported by Audiomack. The November distribution will include the second set—matched historical royalties for previously partially paid uses from Audiomack.
After that, we will continue to distribute matched historical royalties from the remaining, smaller DSPs, consistent with the process used for prior distributions. This process will continue until we have finished distributing all of the previously unmatched historical royalties for uses from the Phono 3 period that we have been able to match to registered works in our database for the shares of those works that our Members have claimed.
The following table shows our current schedule for processing this remaining Phono 3 historical usage. If for any reason this schedule changes, we will share our updated schedule with you in our future Member newsletters.
Where Can I Learn More?
We will continue to provide monthly recaps and previews about the matched historical royalties we distribute for uses from the Phono 3 period in our monthly Member newsletters.
To catch up on the progress we’ve shared about historical unmatched royalties so far, you can find all the updates here. You can also read an overview on our historical unmatched royalties page (which reflects the most current Phono 3 adjustments) 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.