How SOCAN Works

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Q: How do I register my musical works with SOCAN?
A: Complete a Work Registration Form for each work that is being, or may be, performed in public: on radio or television, in movie theatres, or live. There are three steps required in order to complete the work registration form online:
1) You must be a SOCAN Member. If you are not a member, it's easy to apply for membership.
2) You (the member) must obtain a User ID by contacting our Member Services Department at members@socan.ca.
3) Using your ID, login to our "Members" section and click on "Works Registration" for the required form.
Or, you can contact us at the e-mail address above to receive a physical copy of the form(s) by mail.

Q: How do I know what to register?
A: Any musical work that is being performed, or is likely to be performed should be registered. If you aren't sure, contact us at the e-mail address above.

Q: How do my co-writers and I split songwriting shares?
A: The composition and lyrics in a musical work are generally considered to be of equal value. However, you and your collaborator(s) may decide that the value of your contributions vary from composition to composition. Once you reach an agreement, complete the works registration form online, indicating how the shares are split, by percentage, between you and your
collaborator(s).Or you can submit a physical copy of the form, also indicating the share split, and signed by each of you.

Q: Does SOCAN cover radio, television and movie performances?
A: Yes. SOCAN distributes royalties for the following types of performances: broadcast and satellite/cable radio, broadcast and satellite/cable television, movie theatres, and public (live and recorded) performances. SOCAN pays royalties for both domestic and international performances.

Q: What club performances does SOCAN cover?
A: SOCAN collects licence fees and distributes royalties for live performances in licensed venues that have a minimum $6 cover charge.

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