Claim Your Royalties: A Joint Webinar with AIMP LA and the MLC
AIMP LA and The MLC to Host Free Webinar on August 20 for Music Royalties Claimants
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Los Angeles and The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) will host a joint webinar on August 20 to guide music creators in claiming unpaid royalties, according to event organizers. The session, titled “Claim Your Royalties, The Clock is Ticking,” is open to all and will run throughout the day.
The MLC, a nonprofit organization established under the Music Modernization Act of 2018, manages mechanical licenses for digital music services and distributes royalties to songwriters and publishers. AIMP LA, a regional chapter of the global AIMP network, supports independent music publishers in navigating licensing and royalty systems. Together, the groups aim to address gaps in royalty payments for creators who may not have registered with the MLC’s database.
According to the MLC’s 2025 annual report, over $1.2 billion in unclaimed royalties remained in its system as of December 2025. The webinar will focus on how to submit claims through the MLC’s digital platform, verify song registrations, and resolve discrepancies in payment records. AIMP LA’s director of operations, Maria Chen, stated in a press release that “many creators are unaware of the tools available to reclaim what they are owed, and this event is designed to bridge that knowledge gap.”
The deadline for submitting claims to the MLC is December 31, 2026, as outlined in the organization’s official guidelines. However, the webinar emphasizes urgency, with organizers noting that claims submitted after the 2026 deadline may face additional verification hurdles. “The clock is ticking for creators who have not yet filed,” said AIMP LA spokesperson James Rivera. “This webinar provides a critical opportunity to understand the process before it becomes more complex.”
Participants will receive step-by-step instructions for accessing the MLC’s claims portal, including how to upload proof of ownership, cross-reference royalty statements, and appeal denied claims. The session will also address common pitfalls, such as incomplete metadata in song registrations, which can lead to delayed or missed payments.
The MLC’s website reports that over 85% of eligible creators have now registered for its royalty distribution system, but independent publishers and self-releasing artists remain underrepresented. AIMP LA’s webinar is part of a broader initiative to increase participation in the MLC’s programs, particularly among smaller-scale music professionals.
Attendees can register for the free event through the AIMP LA website. The webinar will be recorded and made available for later viewing, though organizers encourage live participation to engage with Q&A sessions.
For creators seeking additional resources, the MLC offers a helpline and a downloadable guide to claims processing. AIMP LA also provides one-on-one consultations for members facing complex royalty issues.
The August 20 webinar underscores the growing importance of digital licensing in the music industry, as streaming platforms account for over 80% of global music revenue. Industry analysts note that effective royalty management has become a critical skill for artists navigating the shift from physical sales to digital consumption.
According to a 2025 study by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), 34% of independent artists reported underpayment or delayed royalties in the past three years. The MLC and AIMP LA’s collaboration aims to mitigate these challenges by offering targeted education and support.
Organizers stress that the webinar is not a substitute for legal or financial advice but a foundational resource for understanding the claims process. “This is about empowering creators with the knowledge to take control of their earnings,” said Rivera. “Every dollar recovered is a step toward financial stability for artists.”
The event aligns with broader industry efforts to modernize royalty distribution systems. In 2025, the MLC expanded its partnerships with streaming services to improve data accuracy, while AIMP LA has launched regional workshops to address localized payment issues.
As the August 20 deadline approaches, music professionals are urged to prioritize royalty claims to avoid potential losses. The webinar’s organizers describe the initiative as a “critical checkpoint” in the ongoing effort to ensure fair compensation for creative work.