How It Works

The Pay as You Press (PAYP) program applies to the reproduction of songs on CD's, cassettes and other audio products. It does NOT apply to the reproduction of songs on DVD's, videocassettes or other audio-visual products. All such licensing is negotiated on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please contact our Synchronization Licensing department.

If you are manufacturing or importing in very small quantities, or releasing sound recordings on a one-shot or limited basis, this is the appropriate method for you to obtain mechanical licenses from CMRRA. Royalties will be payable at the time your application is made, at the standard royalty rate (currently 7.7 cents per songs, per copy, where the running time of the recording is five minutes or less, plus 1.54 cents per copy for each additional minute or partial minute of running time). You will also have to pay 6% GST in addition to the total royalties payable.

If you make applications to CMRRA for any songs which are in the public domain, or not represented by CMRRA, your payment for those songs will be refunded promptly. Please note that a few music publishers represented by CMRRA reserve the right to separately approve each license application, and that their royalty rate may be higher than the current standard rate. In such case, will will advise you of the additional amount to be paid. If such publisher refuses to authorize a license, we will advise you and refund the amount in question.