Overview of HFA and MRI

The Harry Fox Agency (HFA) and Music Reports Inc. (MRI) have played crucial roles in managing licenses for digital service providers (DSPs) and ensuring that publishers receive compensation for the use of their music on interactive streaming platforms such as Spotify and Deezer. Although the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) has taken over licensing for interactive streaming DSPs, HFA and MRI continue to manage direct and bundled licenses. One key change to note is that HFA now requires music publishers to become affiliate members in order to access their portal. This means that publishers must apply and have HFA represent them for mechanical licensing worldwide. The affiliate program covers US and foreign mechanical royalties, including representation for YouTube publishing and any previous direct mechanical licenses held by the publishers. However, it's important to be aware of the 11.5% commission that HFA takes on royalties collected and the non-refundable $100 application fee. This change does not impact signing up for the MLC or MRI, but it is essential for publishers without HFA portal access to consider how this change may affect their existing agreements for subpublishing or publishing administration.

HFA Affiliate Program

The HFA Affiliate Program, short for Harry Fox Agency Affiliate Program, is a platform that has undergone changes in its approach to signing up music publishers to their portal. Affiliation with the HFA is now a prerequisite for accessing their online portal and having Harry Fox represent publishers for virtually all mechanical licensing worldwide. This signifies that HFA becomes the exclusive representative for mechanical licensing. Additionally, the program covers US and foreign mechanical royalties, YouTube representation for publishing, and any direct mechanical licenses previously obtained. However, it does come with a commission of 11.5% for all royalties collected on behalf of the publisher and a non-refundable $100 application fee.

These changes do not interfere with signing up for the MLC, as the MLC operates separately with its own database and royalty payouts. It also preserves the ability to sign up for MRI and opt into the licenses they offer. It's important for publishers to carefully assess their individual publishing situation and research the implications of these changes before applying to the HFA Affiliate Program. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to reach out to HFA directly with any questions regarding their publishing.

Changes at HFA: Discontinuation of Publisher Sign-Ups

The Harry Fox Agency (HFA) has recently implemented a significant change in their operations by discontinuing the direct sign-ups of music publishers to their portal unless they become affiliate members of HFA. This means that publishers seeking to utilize HFA’s services for managing their mechanical licensing rights are now required to fill out an application and have HFA represent them globally for nearly all their mechanical licensing needs. The affiliate program covers both US and foreign mechanical royalties, including representation on platforms such as YouTube and any previously obtained direct mechanical licenses. However, this exclusivity comes at a price as HFA takes an 11.5% commission on all royalties collected, and a non-refundable $100 application fee is also charged. This change does not obstruct publishers from signing up with the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) or Music Reports Inc. (MRI) for additional licensing needs.

These alterations have important implications for publishers who do not currently have access to the HFA portal and those who have existing agreements for subpublishing or publishing administration of their mechanical rights. Publishers must carefully analyze their specific publishing situations and consider the pros and cons of joining the affiliate program. It is advisable for interested parties to conduct thorough research on HFA’s website and engage with their representatives to address any queries before applying for membership.

Implications of the HFA Affiliate Program

The HFA Affiliate Program has implications for music publishers and songwriters. With HFA discontinuing direct sign-ups to their portal, music publishers are now required to become affiliate members of HFA. This means that publishers need to fill out an application and have HFA represent them for their mechanical licensing worldwide. As a result, HFA becomes the exclusive mechanical licensing representative for the publishers. Notably, the program covers US and foreign mechanical royalties, as well as YouTube representation for publishing and any direct mechanical licenses in the past.

This change has its pros and cons. On the positive side, it streamlines the process for mechanical licensing, offering a comprehensive solution for publishers. However, the 11.5 percent commission for royalties collected and the non-refundable $100 application fee are aspects that publishers should consider. It is essential for music publishers to carefully assess their specific publishing situation, considering the implications of this transition to the HFA Affiliate Program. This change does not hinder or interfere with signing up for the MLC, nor does it affect the ability to join MRI and opt into the licenses they offer. As such, publishers need to conduct thorough research and reach out to HFA with any questions before applying.

Understanding the Pros and Cons

One of the key benefits of the HFA Affiliate Program is the comprehensive coverage it offers for mechanical licensing worldwide, including US and foreign mechanical royalties and representation for YouTube publishing. Additionally, it encompasses any direct mechanical licenses that a music publisher may have previously obtained. By becoming an affiliate member, publishers can streamline their mechanical licensing processes, as HFA essentially becomes their exclusive representative for these rights. This can simplify administrative tasks and ensure that publishers receive royalties for the use of their musical works across various platforms.

However, there are some considerations to take into account. The 11.5 percent commission on royalties collected by HFA and the non-refundable application fee of $100 are important factors to weigh. Publishers should assess whether the benefits of the program, such as the expanded coverage and simplified licensing management, outweigh the associated costs. Additionally, existing agreements for subpublishing or publishing administration need to be carefully reviewed to ensure that they align with the requirements and implications of joining the HFA Affiliate Program. It's essential for publishers to conduct thorough research and, if needed, seek clarification from HFA to make informed decisions about enrolling in the program.

Additional Considerations and Recommendations

The changes implemented by the Harry Fox Agency’s (HFA) affiliate program have pros and cons, and it’s crucial for music publishers to carefully evaluate their specific publishing situation. HFA’s affiliate program requires an application process and the payment of a non-refundable fee, with a commission of 11.5% on collected royalties. This exclusivity means that HFA becomes the sole representative for mechanical licensing, including foreign mechanical royalties and YouTube representation. It is necessary to weigh the benefits of having a singular representative for mechanical licensing against the potential limitations it may entail.

It’s important for publishers to review existing agreements for subpublishing or publishing administration to avoid any conflicts or redundancies created by HFA’s affiliate program. Additionally, considering the impact on direct mechanical licenses previously obtained is essential. Music publishers should conduct thorough research and consider reaching out directly to HFA for clarifications before applying to the affiliate program. Each publisher's unique circumstances will determine whether this program aligns with their best interests, and consulting with industry professionals or legal advisors may offer valuable insights.

Ultimately, the decision to join the HFA affiliate program requires thoughtful consideration of its implications on a publisher’s operations and royalties.

Highlight

The HFA affiliate program, offered by the Harry Fox Agency, is a significant development in the music industry, especially for music publishers. The program requires publishers to sign up for HFA's online portals and opt-in licenses to ensure that they receive royalties for the use of their music on various platforms. However, a recent change requires publishers to become affiliate members of HFA to access these services, which comes with its own set of benefits and considerations. The program covers US and foreign mechanical royalties, YouTube representation for publishing, and any direct mechanical licenses previously obtained. While it offers exclusive mechanical licensing representation, it does come with a commission of 11.5% for collected royalties and a non-refundable application fee. This change does not interfere with signing up for the MLC or working with other organizations like Music Reports Inc. It's essential for publishers to carefully assess their specific publishing situations and weigh the pros and cons before applying for the HFA affiliate program. For more information, publishers can visit harryfox.com and reach out to HFA with any specific questions or concerns they may have.

FAQ

Q: What is the HFA affiliate program?

A: The HFA (Harry Fox Agency) affiliate program is an initiative that allows music publishers to sign up for the HFA portal and agree to the opt-in licenses offered by various platforms, enabling them to collect royalties for interactive streaming services and other uses of their music.

Q: How has the HFA's role evolved with the advent of the MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective)?

A: With the establishment of the MLC, interactive streaming DSPs are now licensed to them. However, HFA and MRI are still involved in managing direct licenses and bundled licenses, extending their services beyond interactive streaming to encompass a range of rights and platforms such as TikTok and Facebook.

Q: What change has occurred at the Harry Fox Agency, and how does it affect music publishers?

A: HFA has discontinued signing up music publishers to their portal unless they become affiliate members of HFA. This means that publishers are required to fill out an affiliate application and have HFA represent them for mechanical licensing worldwide, with HFA taking a commission of 11.5% for the royalties they collect on behalf of the publishers. Additionally, there is a non-refundable application fee of $100.

Q: How does the HFA affiliate program impact a publisher's relationship with the MLC and MRI?

A: The change in HFA's policies does not hinder a publisher's ability to sign up for the MLC or MRI. The MLC and HFA have separate databases and royalty payouts despite collaborating, and the publisher can still opt into licenses offered by MRI. The HFA's new approach primarily affects a publisher's mechanical licensing representation if they do not already have access to the HFA portal.

Q: What should music publishers consider before applying for the HFA affiliate program?

A: Music publishers should carefully assess the pros and cons of embracing the HFA affiliate program, considering their specific publishing situations. It's crucial to conduct thorough research on the HFA's policies and reach out to them for any clarification before applying for affiliate membership.

This change in HFA's approach underscores the evolving landscape of music licensing and underscores the importance of publishers staying informed about the latest developments in the industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the HFA Affiliate Program is an exclusive opportunity for music publishers to have the Harry Fox Agency represent and manage their mechanical licensing worldwide. While this change may have its pros and cons, it's essential for publishers to do thorough research and consider their specific publishing situation before applying for the program. It's important to note that this change does not interfere with signing up for the MLC or other licensing platforms. For more information and assistance, publishers can visit harryfox.com and reach out to the agency with any questions regarding their publishing needs.