For Musicians & Recording Artists
PROs & Performance Royalty Collection
American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. A not-for-profit that collects and distributes performance royalties on behalf of its members. If you're a songwriter or publisher, register your works here.
Broadcast Music, Inc. Free to join. Collects performance royalties for its affiliated writers and publishers. An alternative to ASCAP — you can only be a member of one domestic PRO.
Invitation/application-based PRO with a smaller, curated roster. Known for more personalized service and distribution. Worth researching if you're evaluating your PRO options.
Collects digital performance royalties on sound recordings from non-interactive streaming services (Pandora, SiriusXM, iHeartRadio). Register as both the featured artist AND the copyright owner of the master if applicable — these are two separate royalty streams.
Mechanical Royalties
Collects and distributes digital mechanical royalties from streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music). Free to register. Also offers educational webinars and a podcast. If you're a songwriter who releases music digitally, register here.
Mechanical licensing for cover songs, physical releases, and downloads. Songfile allows artists to obtain mechanical licenses for specific uses.
Neighboring Rights (International)
If your music is played on radio or streamed internationally, you may be owed neighboring rights royalties — a separate income stream most US artists never collect.
UK neighboring rights collection society for performers and record labels. If your music plays on UK radio or TV, you may be owed royalties.
German neighboring rights organization. Relevant if you have airplay or streaming in German-speaking markets.
IFPI represents the recording industry globally. A good starting point for understanding international neighboring rights structures before engaging country-specific organizations.
For Content Creators & Influencers
FTC Compliance & Disclosure
The official rules for disclosure in sponsored content, gifted products, affiliate links, and brand partnerships. Updated in 2023. If you monetize your content in any way, read this. Violations can result in FTC enforcement action.
A plain-language breakdown of required disclosure practices across platforms. More accessible than the full Endorsement Guides. A useful reference before drafting brand partnership terms.
Platform-Specific Creator Policies
Rules for branded content on Instagram and Facebook. Note that ad usage rights (when brands boost your posts) are a separate negotiation from the base partnership terms — this distinction matters in your contracts.
The YouTube Partner Program baseline terms. Understand what rights you grant YouTube and what you retain before building a career on the platform.
Terms governing TikTok-facilitated brand partnerships. Review carefully — platform-facilitated deals sometimes include terms that differ from independently negotiated agreements.
For All Creators — IP Resources
Register your creative works. Registration is required before you can file an infringement lawsuit in the US, and it unlocks statutory damages and attorney's fees. Circular 56 (Sound Recordings) and Circular 9 (Works Made for Hire) are particularly useful.
Copyright basics: what copyright protects, how long it lasts, fair use, and how registration works. A useful primer before getting into more specific questions.
How to register your artist name, brand, logo, or slogan. Covers the application process, search tools, and what trademark protection actually gives you.
A clear explanation of the distinction between musical works and sound recordings, common license types, and how royalty administration works. Useful for both musicians and creators who use music.
For artists releasing internationally. Covers collective management organizations, global IP registration, and cross-border rights administration.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Links are to third-party and government websites; Rechtszaid Law, P.C. is not responsible for their content. For guidance specific to your situation, contact us.