SoundExchange is an non-profitcollective rights management organization spun off from the RIAA in 2003. It is the sole organization designated by the U.S. Congress to collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of sound recording copyright owners.
How To Claim Recording As A Rights Owner With SoundExchange
Key Functions:
Digital Performance Royalties: Collects royalties paid when sound recordings are played on non-interactive digital audio services.
Legal Mandate: The only organization designated by the U.S. Congress to collect and distribute these statutory royalties.
Scope of Operation: Focuses on non-interactive digital audio transmissions, including webcasting, satellite radio, and digital cable/satellite TV music services.
Royalty Distribution: Distributes royalties to copyright holders (record labels) and featured performers based on detailed usage reports.
Data Management: Manages extensive databases of sound recording information for accurate identification and payment.
Important Distinction:
It's important to differentiate SoundExchange from performing rights organizations like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, which handle public performance royalties for musical compositions (songwriters and publishers). SoundExchange deals specifically with the sound recording itself.
In essence, SoundExchange ensures that artists and record labels are compensated when their music is played on specified digital platforms.
