How does SOCAN calculate the licence fee?

SOCAN fees are set either by an approved Copyright Board of Canada tariff or through a negotiated agreement. The applicable rate reflects the type of use and the value music brings to the business or event.

Factors can include the business category, premises, area, revenue, audience or capacity, music use, event type and whether the music is live, recorded, online or reproduced.

Use the current SOCAN music licensing page or Entandem licence process for a current quote.

You do not need a separate SOCAN licence if you only use MelloJam

If your business plays only MelloJam music through the MelloJam player, you are not using music from the repertoire covered by SOCAN's licensing route. MelloJam's original catalogue and the commercial playback rights it controls are included in your MelloJam plan, so you do not need a separate licence from SOCAN for the MelloJam playback itself.

A separate non-waivable venue charge can still apply where local law imposes one. Radio, television, Spotify, other recordings, live music, DJs, events, copying and online use are outside the MelloJam plan.

Back to all SOCAN licensing questions.