The term “Copyright Control” can mean different things depending on the context.
MCPS/PRS use the term differently from the general music industry.
TL;DR
Industry meaning: The songwriter controls their own publishing (self-published).
MCPS meaning: The work has not yet been properly registered or identified for mechanical royalty collection.
1. General Industry Meaning
In the wider music industry, Copyright Control usually means the song does not have a music publisher.
This typically indicates:
The songwriter or composer has not assigned their publishing rights to a publishing company.
The work is self-published.
The writer retains and manages the publishing rights directly.
In this context, Copyright Control simply means the creator controls their own publishing rights.
2. MCPS / PRS Meaning
Within MCPS and PRS for Music systems, Copyright Control does not necessarily mean the writer controls the rights.
Instead, it generally indicates that:
MCPS does not currently have enough information to administer the work.
The publisher or writer may be unknown or not registered.
The work has been used but not yet registered for mechanical royalty collection.
If the work is registered later, the rights holder may be able to claim past royalties (known as a “back claim”).
3. Key Difference
Context | Meaning of Copyright Control |
General music industry | The songwriter self-publishes and controls their publishing rights |
MCPS / PRS systems | The work is not yet properly registered or identifiable for royalty collection |
4. Copyright Control works on MAIA Universe
At MAIA Universe, all music available for licensing is fully pre-cleared, including works listed as Copyright Control.
This means:
We have identified and obtained approvals from all relevant rights holders, including copyright control writers.
You do not need to track down or contact writers or publishers yourself.
Every song in our catalogue is ready to be licensed, with both master and publishing rights already cleared.