Performing rights societies

Performing rights societies, also known as music licensing agencies, are regulated under Chapter 19.370 RCW.

To legally operate in Washington State, performing rights societies must:

• Have a valid Washington business license,
• Register with the Department of Licensing (DOL), and
• Annually file with DOL copies of form agreements used by the agency to license music to proprietors (such as restaurant and bar owners) for a fee.

Below is the list of performing rights societies meeting the requirements to operate in Washington State as well as their contact information, music repertoires, and agreement templates.

Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)

Repertoire (bmi.com)
List of agreement templates

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)

Repertoire (ascap.com)
List of agreement templates (ascap.com)

In addition to the registration requirements, music licensing agencies must also meet certain standards of conduct. Among other things, agencies may not engage in coercive conduct that substantially disrupts a proprietor's business, use abusive or profane language when communicating with proprietors or their employees, or engage in unfair or deceptive practices when negotiating with a proprietor. For more information on prohibited acts, visit RCW 19.370.050.

While we maintain a registry of music licensing agencies authorized to operate in this state, we are not charged with ensuring compliance by music licensing agencies with the registration and standards of conduct provisions of RCW 19.370. These regulations are enforced through private civil lawsuits or action by the Office of the Attorney General. If you are interested in filing a consumer protection complaint, please contact the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.