Do I Have To Register With Ascap As A Songwriter And A Publisher?

Joining ASCAP
Member Admission
Deceased Members

Am I eligible to join ASCAP?

You can bring together ASCAP equally a writer if y'all've written or co-written music or lyrics for at least one musical work that is available to the public. It could exist a vocal that you perform live or on a CD that you lot sell at your concerts, a song in a YouTube video, a digital download or canvass music - if it'southward out there, you're eligible to join. Yous tin can join ASCAP every bit a publisher if you (or your business, partnership, corporation, etc.) are actively engaged in the music publishing business, and assume the financial risk involved in publishing music. You are also eligible for a publisher membership if y'all are a writer and accept non assigned your publishing rights to someone else. A publisher membership allows yous to collect the publisher share of a song'due south performance royalties.

Where can I obtain an ASCAP awarding?

Applications for ASCAP writer and publisher memberships tin can exist obtained on our website (www.ascap.com) by clicking the "join" button. this will display a link for the writer and publisher applications. the processing fee for each application is $50.

I don't have a reckoner. Can y'all mail service me an ASCAP awarding?

ASCAP applications are processed on-line. The ASCAP website tin be accessed at a public library.

Can I become a writer member of ASCAP if I am already affiliated with another society as a writer?

You can but belong to one society at a fourth dimension as a writer for licensing public performances in the United States; however, you tin can be a publisher at multiple societies. You lot can transfer as a author to ASCAP from your current guild, but you volition demand to contact your current social club to obtain the appropriate information to brand the switch.

I am a fellow member of a band/group. Can my grouping join ASCAP?

Each member of the group must complete a separate writer application and each member of the group must run into the eligibility criteria. It is recommended that each member apply for a carve up publisher membership; yet, only 1 application needs to be submitted if the group chooses to bring together as a commonage publisher member. If this is the case, the publisher membership must be structured as a partnership, corporation or LLC.

Are in that location any costs associated with ASCAP membership?

There is a i-time, $50 fee for each application submission. This fee is non-refundable, but ASCAP does not accuse almanac dues or fees.

Why does ASCAP charge an application fee?

There are administrative costs associated with new ASCAP members which reduce distribution revenue for existing members. To offset some of these costs, ASCAP implemented application fees.

I desire to join ASCAP as a writer, but your competitors do not charge an application fee. Why should I join ASCAP instead?

While our competitors do not charge awarding fees for writers to join, ASCAP membership has significant value and these benefits profoundly outweigh the nominal fee. Furthermore, our competitors typically charge a fee for publishing companies ($150-$250) that is greater than the commonage costs of joining ASCAP as a writer and publisher.

If I join ASCAP equally a author and later desire to join as a publisher, do I withal take to pay the processing fee?

Writer and publisher memberships are separate and each awarding submitted is discipline to the not-refundable application processing fee.

If I apply and am elected to ASCAP membership, but later change my mind, can I get my money back?

The application processing fee is non-refundable.

If I resign, exercise I get my money back?

The application processing fee is non-refundable.

Why is the fee not-refundable?

The fee is associated with the costs of processing the membership application and therefore cannot exist returned.

I don't accept a credit card to pay the awarding processing fee. Can I submit another form of payment?

If you don't have a U.s. issued Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit or debit card, you must first supply ASCAP with some other form of payment using the ASCAP Processing Fee Grade. Upon receipt and processing of your payment yous will be supplied with instructions to complete your application. The fee for processing a check, money order or strange credit card payment is $75.

How much does it cost to get a member?

There is a one-time, $50 fee for submission of an application. This fee is non-refundable, but ASCAP does not charge annual ante or fees.

I do non have a valid US Social Security Number or I am a not a US citizen. Tin can I still join ASCAP?

You may join ASCAP if you lot do not accept a valid The states Social Security Number or are not a US citizen; nonetheless, additional income reporting documentation must be provided with your application. Please go to the IRS website (irs.gov) to obtain a W8-BEN form. When you have completed the awarding please mail the original completed W8-BEN with your application number written on the top to:

ASCAP
Attn: Applications
7920 West Sunset Blvd.
Third Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90046

I want to join ASCAP as a publisher. Tin y'all check if the publisher name I want to employ is available?

The availability of the publisher name will be checked automatically by the ASCAP organization prior to submission of your awarding. If the proper noun is not bachelor you will not exist able to submit the awarding until you choose another bachelor name.

Practise I need to submit any music with the application?

No.

How long does information technology have for me to hear dorsum from ASCAP once I've submitted my application?

You volition receive information from ASCAP regarding your online application immediately upon submission. If boosted documentation is required to procedure your application please provide the information within 90 business days of submission. Upon receipt of this documentation your application will exist processed inside ten concern days.

I submitted my application several days ago but can't notice my Application ID. Can you lot bank check the condition?

Nosotros tin check the condition of your application without an Application ID; however, nosotros volition require the Social Security Number or Can that you provided on your application to confirm your identity.

Why was my application declined?

If you lot completed the online awarding, the reason for ineligibility was sent via e-postal service to the e-mail address provided in your application.

I received the e-mail that confirms that I've been elected as an ASCAP member. How exercise I register my music with ASCAP?

Title registrations are essential to the proper distribution of performance royalties and should be submitted to ASCAP one time a musical work has been fully created. Later on you receive confirmation of your election to ASCAP membership, please allow v (5) business days before yous effort to annals your works with ASCAP for the beginning time. One time this time has elapsed, ASCAP members should register their works through the Online Title Registration system. You may access Online Title Registration through the "Members" link on the ASCAP home page or the "Register a Work" link on your Member Admission account. FAQs, a downloadable Title Registration Guide and a video tutorial are available for your reference. If you need additional assistance, please log onto your Member Access account and submit a Member Service Enquiry. Select the "My Catalog" Category and select the appropriate Topic.

What is Member Access?

Member Admission is ASCAP'south secure online web portal that provides you with access to your ASCAP information. Once y'all activate your Member Access business relationship, you lot volition have the ability to update personal details (e.one thousand., address, banking concern account information, etc.), view and impress the entitled party and share details of your Works, view and download ASCAP functioning statements, annals your works and electronically create and track service requests to ASCAP. Futurity online resources for ASCAP members will be provided via Member Admission so activation of your business relationship is highly recommended.

Can I annals my music for copyright protection or go a bar code for my CD through ASCAP?

ASCAP does not annals music for the purpose of copyright protection; this is the responsibleness of the writer(s) and publisher(s) of any given work. You lot can annals your music for copyright protection through the Library of Congress which can be reached at 202-707-3000 or on the web at www.loc.gov. For information on bar codes, delight visit world wide web.discmakers.com.

I received an due east-post that confirms I've been elected every bit an ASCAP fellow member, but my vocal was released earlier I became a member. Will I all the same receive public performance royalties?

Whether or not yous receive royalties for performances of your piece of work(due south) that occurred earlier you became an ASCAP member will depend upon when the operation(due south) of the piece of work(s) occurred. Equally a newly elected author member, you can receive royalties for surveyed performances that took place in the operation menstruation covered by the distribution quarter in which you are elected. For writers, there is a fourth dimension lag of approximately 7 (7) to eight (8) months between performances and royalty processing. Equally in the case of writers, a newly elected publisher member tin receive royalties for surveyed performances that took identify in the operation period covered in the distribution quarter in which the publisher is elected. For publishers, there is a time lag of approximately vi (vi) months betwixt performance and royalty processing. Please note that ASCAP But distributes public performance royalties, not royalties associated with tape sales.

I completed my application online nigh twenty (20) days ago. I haven't heard back from ASCAP. What should I do?

If you completed an online application, yous should accept received an email from ASCAP inside fifteen (15) days of submitting your awarding regardless of whether your election to ASCAP membership was successful. Delight check your spam filter on your e-mail service business relationship. If yous still cannot locate the due east-mail, please contact Member Services at 800-95-ASCAP.

I think receiving the e-mail that confirmed my election to ASCAP membership, but I can't find it now. How tin I get my ASCAP Member ID?

If you were elected to ASCAP membership, Member Services can ostend your Member ID; yet, y'all will be asked to verify your identity past providing your Social Security Number or TIN.

I received the e-mail that confirms that I've been elected as a member. Tin I make an appointment to speak with an ASCAP representative?

Earlier speaking with an ASCAP representative, we recommend you review the Fellow member Benefits and Career Development pages on the ASCAP website. The links take you to workshops, showcases and support opportunities that can help you farther your career. If you however wish to speak with someone, please contact ASCAP at 800-95-ASCAP or at ane of the local Membership offices listed on our website.

I need the phone number to a company in the music business and I believe ASCAP can provide it. Can I call you for the number?

Unfortunately, we cannot disclose phone numbers for specific companies unless they have agreed to allow u.s. to do so. The following companies have agreed to let united states to provide their phone numbers to prospective or current members:

AFTRA (American Federation of TV & Radio Artists): 212 532-0800
Harry Fox Agency: 212-834-0100
Songwriter's Social club: 201-867-7603
Trademark Function: 800-786-9199
U.S. Copyright Role: 202-707-5959/877 476-0778
U.S. Library of Congress: 202-707-5000

What is "Concert" Music?

Examples of music classified equally "Concert" are: symphonic, chamber, choral, concert band/wind ensemble, electro-accoustic and opera.

Do I demand an e-mail address to activate a Member Access account?

Aye. An email adress is required for Fellow member Access.

How do I activate a Member Access account?

To activate your Member Access Account become to members.ascap.com and click on the Account Activation link to become started.

I need a Member ID to actuate my Member Admission account, where tin can I find it?

Your Member ID is the number used by ASCAP to uniquely place you. Your Fellow member ID can exist plant on your ASCAP Membership Card, an ASCAP Royalty Argument or past calling 1-800-95-ASCAP

Is there a fee to activate a Member Access account?

There is no fee to sign up for Fellow member Admission; it's free for all ASCAP members.

Who tin can activate a Member Access account?

Any current or resigned Writer or Publisher fellow member can activate a Member Admission account.

Why should I activate a Member Admission business relationship?

Fellow member Access allows 24x7 admission to ASCAP. change your address, submit an inquiry to Member Services, review your catalog of works, and download your argument in PDF Format.

How practice I change my Member Access password?

To change your countersign, enter your username on the Member Access login page and click the "I forgot my password" link.

I activated my Member Access account but forgot my username, how tin can I notice out what it is?

If y'all forgot your username for Member Access, please call 1-800-95-ASCAP.

Are the transactions I perform and data I view secure in Member Access?

Aye, ASCAP Member Access is a secure web portal with 128-chip encyrption.

Does ASCAP share my information with outside entities?

Every bit a policy, ASCAP does not share information most its members without their expressed consent. During the account activation procedure, you tin opt in to allow ASCAP to share your information with outside entities.

My estimator is a Mac. Can I utilize Member Admission?

Yes, Member Access is compatable with Mac's as well as PC'south.

Which internet browsers does ASCAP recommend when using Fellow member Access?

Member Access works all-time with the latest versions of Firefox or Chrome.

I simply joined ASCAP, why can't I activate my Member Access account?

Fellow member Admission is a member only portal. When you first join ASCAP, your membership is pending approval. Upon ballot to membership, you tin can actuate your Member Access business relationship.

I used to accept an ASCAP membership card but I lost information technology. Can I go a replacement?

ASCAP no longer offers membership cards. Yous can always detect your ASCAP member ID past logging into Member Access.

In club to activate a Member Access business relationship, I demand to be an ASCAP fellow member. How practice I join?

To become an ASCAP member, please go to ASCAP.com and follow the link to join.

What are direct and source licenses?

A direct license is any license understanding between an ASCAP member and a music user (for example, a radio station, TV network, website, live venue or background music service) granting the user the rights to perform publicly the fellow member'southward music.

A source license is any license understanding between an ASCAP member and an entity that produces and supplies programs containing your music (for instance, a TV product company), granting the correct to authorize others (for example, a TV station) to perform publicly the member'due south music.

Practice I have the correct to license my works directly to others?

Yes. The rights you grant to ASCAP are nonexclusive. Nothing in your relationship with ASCAP restricts or interferes with your right to enter into a straight or source license.

What are my obligations to ASCAP if I enter into a direct or source license?

If you enter into a directly or source license, y'all must promptly notify ASCAP of:

The championship of the piece of work or works licensed.
The writer(s) and publisher(s) of the work(southward).
The name and address of the licensee(southward).
The time catamenia for which the license will exist in effect.
The territories, medium and venue covered past the license.

To properly notify ASCAP of a directly or source license, you must complete and submit the form titled "Notice of Direct/Source Licensing." This course is bachelor for download and submission through Member Access. The Direct License Form tin be downloaded from the Letters section of Member Access. One time in Letters, you tin can select Category: "Statement and Payment Questions" and Topic: "Directly Licensing – Domestic" or "Direct Licensing – International"

You should also attach to the Bulletin a re-create of the license (financial terms - such equally the amount of the license fee - may be redacted).

What is the effect on my ASCAP royalties if I enter into a direct or source license?

As ASCAP cannot collect license fees for direct or source licensed performances, no royalties will be paid by ASCAP for these performances. If the direct or source license includes performances for periods for which ASCAP has already paid royalties because we were not aware that such a license had been issued, a debit will exist fabricated to your account with respect to such performances.

What should I consider if I am asked to enter into a straight or source license?

You lot should consider seeking the advice of a music attorney or business advisor before entering into a straight or source license.

Y'all should effort to obtain equally much information as possible about when and how the music will be used and the license terms existence offered to others. You may also wish to assess the importance of your specific works or catalog to the music user's business.

Keep in listen that while music users and programme producers may offer up-front, lump-sum payments, it may exist difficult to value or predict the time to come commercial success of your musical works.

In that location may also exist instances in which a direct or source license might bear upon your ability to earn royalties from other music users. For example, if a Television set or film producer acquires the operation rights to your music through an irrevocable license, or "buy-out" deal, you volition not be able to receive public performance royalties when that show or motion picture is sold or licensed to a downstream music user, or shown or broadcast in a strange territory.

ASCAP cannot answer inquiries concerning payments for direct or source licensed performances.

ASCAP cannot audit the music user or plan producer on your behalf.

ASCAP cannot brand up the difference in performance royalties if your ASCAP royalties would have been greater than what you received under the direct or source license.

Although ASCAP cannot advise you on what terms you should seek in a directly or source license, ASCAP may be able to provide yous with information on what you might earn in ASCAP royalties if we were to license those performances for you.

What if I am an ASCAP songwriter or composer and my music publisher enters into a direct or source license?

If your music publisher enters into a direct or source license, the music user or program producer may pay the publisher, non ASCAP, for performances of the licensed works. Your agreement with the publisher may decide whether y'all are entitled to a share of the royalties and whether or non any fees received past the publisher on your behalf are subject field to recoupment. Typically, yous reserve the right to receive the "writer'south share" of your performance income directly from ASCAP. When a publisher licenses directly on your behalf, this may not be the instance.

My relative was an ASCAP member or successor to a member and recently died. What do I do?

Please call 1-800-95ASCAP (1-800-952-7227) to speak with a representative from ASCAP'southward Fellow member Services section. We will guide y'all through the process of establishing a successor to the membership.

I am starting to exercise some manor planning. What should I do virtually my ASCAP royalties?

We recommend that you consult an experienced attorney to advise you lot as to your specific estate planning needs and to draw upwardly the necessary papers. As a general affair, however, it is best to put your wishes in writing, including express provisions to bargain with the disposition of ASCAP royalties.

Who will receive my membership interest later I dice?

If you dice without a Will, land laws of intestacy will dictate who receives your membership involvement (field of study, of grade, to the relevant provisions of the Copyright Act). Therefore, if you wish to direct that your membership involvement go to your spouse, your children, a trust, or other beneficiaries, you must prepare a Will or other advisable manor planning documentation to set forth your wishes.

Can I designate a beneficiary to receive my royalties subsequently I die?

Due to potential conflicts and the current state of the constabulary, ASCAP cannot take beneficiary forms. In club to ensure your wishes are followed, you should include your ASCAP royalties in your manor planning.

Can I assign my royalties during my lifetime?

A living ASCAP member's request to assign his or her royalties must meet sure criteria to be permitted nether ASCAP's rules. Please consult the Royalties section of this webpage and the Compendium of ASCAP Rules and Regulations, available on our Governing Documents page.

Tin my estate sell my membership rights and royalties?

Given the unique needs of the estates of writer members, ASCAP does permit the estate to sell or irrevocably assign the right to receive ASCAP writer royalties. ASCAP also permits living members to assign royalties irrevocably to a family fellow member, living trust, or family unit-held company. Other rights of membership (such as the correct to vote) are non assignable. If you are an heir or a successor to a deceased writer member and you are interested in selling or irrevocably assigning the deceased author's royalties, you may phone call our Member Services section (1-800-95ASCAP) or submit a Member Service inquiry via your Member Access account.

Can I make a heritance to ASCAP?

Bequests cannot be made to ASCAP directly, but yous may make a bequest to The ASCAP Foundation, a tax-exempt public charitable organization under section 501(c)(iii) of the federal tax constabulary. The Foundation is separate from ASCAP with its ain Board of Directors. Since 1975, The ASCAP Foundation has worked tirelessly to keep music in the schools and to nurture aspiring songwriters and composers. Information technology is defended to nurturing the music talent of tomorrow, preserving the legacy of the past and sustaining the creative incentive for today's creators through a variety of educational, professional, and humanitarian programs. Making a bequest or transferring a successorship to The ASCAP Foundation are two ways you can honor your loved 1 while supporting a worthy clemency. For more information on The ASCAP Foundation, delight visit the website: world wide web.ascapfoundation.org/donate.

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