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Sound Recording Filings


In addition to copyright registration, there are filings for sound recordings that are needed for its production and registration. These filings protect the copyrights in the sound recording and ensure all royalties from the sound recording are properly paid out. SoundPlan can take care of these filings. These are:

  • International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) codes. These are generated by the record label and obtained from CRIA. They are unique codes and tags for specific sound recordings.
  • UPC/Bar codes. They are located on the tray card of CD’s and other physical music in order for them to be scanned at retail.  Soundscan requires these to track sales of physical and digital music in Canada and the US.
  • AVLA filings. The AVLA distributes royalties generated by Neighbouring Rights legislation to sound recording copyright owners for the broadcast and public performance of songs and music videos. They also administer funds from the Private Copying Levy to these copyright owners as well. SOPROQ collects these royalties for Quebec.
  • AFM/ACTRA filings. Performers on sound recordings are also entitled to Neighbouring Rights royalties for the broadcast and public performance of their songs.  AFM and ACTRA both distribute these royalties. ARTISTI does this for Quebec. All three collectives also distribute funds from the Private Copying Levy.
  • SoundExchange registration. SoundExchange distributes royalties to copyright owners when their sound recordings are played on digital cable and satellite television music channels, internet and satellite radio.