Copyright Office Sides with Songwriters on Royalties Late Fees

The US Copyright Office agreed with artists’ interpretation that digital music royalty late fees begin accruing for digital music providers 45 days after the end of a monthly reporting period, even if the underpayment is revealed only after later adjustments.

The Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act’s due-date provisions are “unambiguous,” according to an interpretive rule, set to be published Sept. 5 in the Federal Register. The office declined to issue any regulations.

The Copyright Office solicited feedback on when late fees for royalty payments should be assessed in connection with reporting by digital music providers under mechanical ...