How is mechanical licensing different in the US than in many countries?
In many countries around the world, mechanical royalties are paid directly by the manufacturer (in the case of physical products) or online service (in the case of digital products) to one central rights society. Publishers are then paid by the societies. In the United States, royalties are paid directly to the publishers or their agents. Moreover, most online services pay record labels inclusive of mechanical royalties. It is then the record label’s responsibility to locate and pay the publishers. Music videos or song clips must be encoded in PAL, NTSC, or SCAM (Sequential Color) for consideration for placements in video podcasts. Please follow all requested guidelines when submitting material to ensure proper consideration.
