New Royalty Rules Coming for Vinyl, CDs, and Streams
Published Date: 7/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting in 2028, new rules will set how much music makers pay to copy and share songs on CDs, vinyl, and digital formats until 2032. Musicians, record companies, and streaming services will all feel the impact as royalty rates and terms get updated. If you want to speak up, you’ve got until August 10, 2026, to send in your comments!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Continued 2028–2032 phonorecord rates
The Copyright Royalty Judges propose continuing the current Section 115 (Subpart B) rates and terms for making and distributing phonorecords from January 1, 2028 through December 31, 2032. If the Judges adopt the proposed settlement, those rates and terms would be binding on all copyright owners of musical works and on those who make or distribute phonorecords (for example, musicians, record companies, and streaming services). Comments and objections are due by August 10, 2026.
Inflation adjustments for physical & downloads
The partial settlement would keep current Subpart B rates and terms unchanged except for continuing inflation adjustments to the rates for physical phonorecords (compact discs, vinyl, cassette tapes, and the like) and permanent digital downloads for the 2028–2032 period. The proposed settlement specifically covers physical phonorecords, permanent downloads, ringtones, and music bundles for that rate period.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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