Music is generally registered online though paper and other electronic formats are available on request. You are only required to register music which has been or is about to be recorded, broadcast or performed.
The responsibility of registering music lies with:
- Writers with unpublished music or music published by a publisher who is not a PRS member.
- Publishers with published music on behalf of their writers.
- Co-written / co-published music should be registered by all parties, and each should include any information that they have about the other parties involved.
Registrations are generally processed according to the following service standards:
- All work notifications will be registered, or referred back to the member if subject to query, within 25 working days of receipt at MCPS-PRS.
- All work notification marked as ‘Priority Works’ and where the work has an imminent product release (previously referred to as ‘Fast track works’) will be registered within 5 days of receipt.
- If a work is subject to a conflict (i.e. duplicate claim or sample), then the relevant Duplicate Claims and Disputes, Samples and Infringement policies apply.
We publish a monthly report detailing performance against these service standards to process member copyright registrations.
Fastrack Service
A Fastrack service is available for members whose music is currently gaining substantial royalties. The service can only be used if the following criteria is met:
- The music concerned is available, or is about to become available on a sound recording requiring an MCPS (or affiliated society) licence for the UK.
- The music is due to feature in an upcoming PRS distribution as a result of a known or scheduled performance in the UK or overseas.
- The registration is submitted online giving details of the recording or performances.
- You should ensure you select the "Fastrack" option when completing the online registration.
Royalties
PRS royalties are divided between the writers and publishers in accordance with the publishing agreement. PRS will always credit the writer(s) with no less than 50% of the overall royalty.
If documentation does not exist specifying the division of the royalties, 50% will default to the writer and 50% to the publisher.
If a piece of music is registered that originates in an affiliated society, PRS will follow the instructions of that society in dividing the royalties between the interested parties.
MCPS pay 100% of the royalties to the publisher on publication of the music. If the music remains unpublished 100% of the royalties would be paid to the writer(s) with MCPS membership.
If royalty entitlement or control is disputed by two or more conflicting claims, we will follow set rules and procedures. 'View the Duplicate Claims Rules and Procedures' or contact us for a copy.
Please note that music does not need to be published before you can collect royalties. 100% of any performance income generated will go to the writer(s). If your music is recorded you should consider joining MCPS in order to receive mechanical royalties.
Further Information
View Troubleshooting for Registering Your Music
View the Disputed and Duplicate Claims Rules and Procedures
Contact us