1. What is the "CRB"?

The Copyright Royalty Board, empowered under U.S. Copyright Law to set compulsory mechanical royalty rates to be paid by music users.

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2. What are the "Record Companies"?

The four major record companies participating in the program.

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3. What is the "NMPA"?

The National Music Publishers’ Association.

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4. What is the "HFA"?

The Harry Fox Agency LLC, the Group III and IV Program Administrator.

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5. What is the "RIAA"?

The Recording Industry Association of America.

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6. What is the "MOU"?

The Memorandum of Understanding - 2 entered into in April 2012 by The National Music Publishers’ Association ("NMPA"), The Harry Fox Agency LLC ("HFA"), and the Recording Industry Association of America (“RIAA”) in response to the imposition of the late fee by the CRB ruling. MOU 2 extends the comprehensive program (“NMPA Late Fee Program” or “Late Fee Program”) created by the MOU, whereby the Record Companies and music publishers will work together to improve mechanical licensing practices and encourage prompt dispute resolution. In exchange for waivers of certain late fees through 2017, the Record Companies must comply with the provisions of the MOU 2, including paying participating music publishers and foreign societies their respective publisher share of accrued P&U Royalties.

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7. What is the "NMPA Late Fee Program" or "Late Fee Program"?

A comprehensive program to improve mechanical licensing practices and distribute "pending and unmatched" royalties.

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8. What are "P&U Royalties"?

"Pending and unmatched" accrued royalties that have not been distributed to the music publishers.

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9. Who is the "Program Administrator"?

The NMPA has engaged The Harry Fox Agency LLC (“HFA” or the “Program Administrator”) to determine and distribute payments to music publishers and foreign societies under MOU 2.

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10. Who are "Participating Publishers"?

Music publishers and foreign societies that submitted an MOU 2 Opt-In Form and Catalog Registration/Confirmation Form by November 1, 2014.

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11. What is a "Foreign Society"?

A mechanical rights organization located in a country other than the U.S.

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12. What is "Group III Product"?

Product released between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2012.

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13. What is "Group IV Product"?

Product released on or after January 1, 2013.

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