RightsFlow and PRS for Music Agree to a Deal to Share Data and Facilitate Mechanical Compulsory Licensing in the US

RightsFlow and PRS for Music Agree to a Deal to Share Data and Facilitate Mechanical Compulsory Licensing in the US

CANNES, France, January 24/PRNewswire/ --

RightsFlow, a leading provider of bulk mechanical licensing and royalty services, announced an agreement with PRS for Music, the music copyright organization representing 65,000 UK songwriters, composers and publishers, to allow RightsFlow to identify and license PRS for Music works for mechanical uses in the United States. The project fills a crucial gap, ensuring that UK songwriters receive royalties from digital transactions in the United States even where content does not have North American representation.

The agreement puts in place a data-sharing capability whereby RightsFlow can send usage information to PRS for Music who will cross-check this with their own copyright systems. The result will be better matching of the appropriate sub-publisher or licensing body in the US, or where works are unrepresented direct accounting to PRS for Music.

RightsFlow CEO Patrick Sullivan added, "We are extremely proud to announce this agreement with industry leader PRS for Music. Not only will this help simplify the process of international licensing, but it will also significantly improve royalty accounting and payment for UK songwriters. We are very excited about the continued expansion of our robust worldwide data and licensing network."

RightsFlow's proprietary mechanical licensing 'FLOW' system is built to license, account, and pay publisher royalties for physical mechanical, DPD, interactive streams and limited downloads, including subscription and ad-supported models, licensing with all local societies and publishers.

Under U.S. Copyright Law, mechanical licenses are required for music to be distributed through online music services. The current U.S. statutory mechanical rate for permanent downloads is 9.1 cents for songs five minutes or less and 1.75 cents per minute for songs over five minutes. Limited download and interactive streaming services generally pay a mechanical royalty of 10.5 percent of revenue, less amounts owed for performance royalties.

About RightsFlow:

RightsFlow is a leading provider of mechanical licensing services and royalty payment technology for online music services, record companies, distributors and artists. The RightsFlow technology powers rapid song identification and provides an unprecedented level of transparency for both licensees and licensors. RightsFlow specializes in obtaining bulk physical, DPD, and ringtone licenses including streaming, tethered, and limited download rights. Our proprietary "FLOW" licensing technology and 10.5 million song database allow us to license content, render accounting, and pay royalties on behalf of clients quickly and accurately, ensuring that rights-holders are paid for the use of their work.

RightsFlow currently serves over 9,500 clients obtaining licenses from publishers and songwriters all over the world - including major, independent publishers and artist controlled works. Clients include Muzak, Kontor Media, Thumbplay, Hoodiny, The Orchard, INgrooves, IRIS, Zebralution, E1 Canada Distribution, IODA, CD Baby, Disc Makers, & X5 Music Group.

For more information on RightsFlow's services and management team, visit http://www.rightsflow.com.

About PRS:

PRS for Music:

PRS for Music is the leading copyright and royalty collection society representing 65,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. A not-for-profit organisation it ensures music creators are paid whenever their music is played.

PRS for Music provides business and community groups easy access to 10m songs through its music licences. In an industry worth 3.6bn pounds Sterling, PRS for Music is uniquely placed to be a voice for music and can provide data for all aspects of the business: live, broadcast, sales, online, touring and music creation and up to date analysis, research and trends about the industry.

          www.prsformusic.com     www.myspace.com/prsformusic  

Source: RightsFlow

Michael Kauffman of RightsFlow, +1-212-937-6955 x311, michael.kauffman@rightsflow.com

---

Profile: International Entertainment