What Is a Collective Management Organization? (CMO)

Their terms differ by territory.

A Collective Management Organization (CMO) is an international organization — GEMA in Germany, for instance — responsible for monitoring, licensing, and collecting performance and mechanical rights for their clients. They also enforce the conditions of each licensing contract, and collect and distribute any subsequent royalties.

In North America and elsewhere, Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI) and mechanical societies (The MLC, The Harry Fox Agency, Music Reports) handle these licenses and collections separately for each type of right.

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