Reader answer checklist
This guide is structured to answer the practical questions a reader should resolve before relying on the topic.
- Direct answer
- Section 115 provides a statutory framework for certain reproduction and distribution uses of nondramatic musical works, including later digital-licensing changes under the Music Modernization Act.
- Who this is for
- Songwriters, publishers, artists, distributors, and release teams handling cover songs or interactive digital uses.
- Practical example
- A cover release and an interactive streaming service may follow different notice, blanket-license, and registration processes even though both involve the composition.
- Limits and exceptions
- Eligibility, notices, reporting, rates, timing, territories, and contract terms matter; a compulsory framework does not clear the master recording.
- What to do next
- Identify the use and format, confirm whether the statutory framework applies, and follow the current Copyright Office, MLC, or counsel instructions.
Evidence records
verified- United States Code, Title 17 — Copyrights — U.S. Copyright Office · Title 17, Chapter 1
Source records identify the evidence to review; they do not replace a claim-by-claim legal review. See the source index for the audit trail.
Editorial record
verified- Last edited
- 2026-07-17
- Reviewed
- 2026-08-07
- Reviewer
- Michael Ruiz
Reviewed by Michael Ruiz on 2026-08-07. Recheck date-sensitive rules and contract terms for a specific matter. See the editorial policy for the review process.
17 U.S.C. § 115: Compulsory Mechanical Licensing
Under Section 115 of the U.S. Copyright Act, a statutory compulsory license exists for the reproduction and distribution of non-dramatic musical works (compositions).
Core Mechanism for Cover Songs
Once a musical work has been distributed to the public in the United States under the authority of the copyright owner, any other person may obtain a compulsory license to make and distribute "covers" (phonorecords) of the work without seeking permission from the publisher, provided they: 1. Provide a physical Notice of Intention (NOI) to the publisher prior to distribution. 2. Pay monthly mechanical royalties at the statutory rate (e.g., 13.1¢ per track in the 2026 schedule). 3. Do not alter the fundamental character, lyrics, or melody of the composition.
Re-design for the Streaming Era
The Music Modernization Act (MMA) of 2018 fundamentally updated Section 115 by: - Creating a Blanket Compulsory License covering digital interactive streaming and limited downloads (covered activities under the MMA). - Establishing The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) to issue this blanket license and collect/distribute streaming mechanicals directly from DSPs. - Eliminating the need for individual digital NOIs. DSPs pay the MLC directly, which in turn pays the copyright owners.
Connected Legal & Business Topics
2 related nodes17 U.S.C. § 106 - Exclusive Rights in Copyrighted Works
statuteThe bedrock of copyright law granting six exclusive statutory monopolies to owners, defining the entire licensing ecosystem.
Mechanical Royalties
conceptRoyalties triggered by the physical reproduction and distribution of musical compositions (vinyl, CD, digital downloads, streams).