Royalties
MLC Unclaimed Royalties
The MLC holds mechanical royalties it can't match to an owner. Beginning in early 2027 it starts distributing the remaining unmatched royalties by market share, so getting your works matched is how you claim your share.
Where this sits
MLC Unclaimed Royalties
- Distribution
- Broadcast
- Publishing
- Performance
Every interactive stream and download in the US generates a mechanical royalty paid through The MLC. When a work isn't registered correctly, The MLC can't match the money to its owner, so it sits in the unmatched 'black-box' pool. Streaming services paid in over $424 million at The MLC's 2021 launch alone.
Good to know
MLC Unclaimed Royalties: common questions
- How do I check if my songs are matched at The MLC?
- Search The MLC's public works database. If a work isn't matched to you, registering and claiming it connects the royalties to your account. Notes handles registration and matching across your whole catalog.
- What happens to unclaimed MLC royalties in 2027?
- Beginning in early 2027, The MLC starts distributing its remaining unmatched and unclaimed blanket royalties (from January 2021 onward, one month at a time) on a pro-rata, market-share basis with statutory interest. Matching your works beforehand is how your share is paid to you.
- How long does MLC matching take?
- Once your compositions are registered, The MLC identifies and matches royalties to them over the following months. A catalog review surfaces what's still unmatched so it can be claimed.