American Society for Collective Rights Licensing
Frequently Asked Questions:
For a complete explanation of how it works, please click here.
How often will ASCRL distribute reprographic funds?
ASCRL will typically make distributions annually, and may occasionally make additional, one-time distributions.
How much money will I receive?
The amount distributed to you and other claimants will be based upon the amount collected by ASCRL, the number of claims submitted, and the information provided by each claimant. Each qualified claimant receives a share based upon the claimant’s publication history and ASCRL's distribution rules.
How can I receive reprographic remuneration from ASCRL?
If you create or own copyright in visual works, use the JOIN ASCRL button to apply for ASCRL membership. Before ASCRL distributes reprographic funds, you will be notified on the ASCRL website, and you will be provided with an opportunity to submit a claim for a share of the funds that are distributed.
Do the membership terms provide ASCRL with copyright ownership in my work?
No. The membership terms do not give ASCRL copyright ownership in your work or any right to license your work on an individual basis.
Where can I find the ASCRL membership terms?
CLICK HERE To See the ASCRL Membership Agreement. You will also find the ASCRL Membership Agreement on the ASCRL registration platform.
Where do these reprographic funds come from?
Many foreign countries provide authors and rights owners compensation under legally mandated statutory schemes. These systems vary widely. Some of these legal systems require specific payments for specific uses as a condition for legal use. Some require payments through collecting societies, who are legally empowered to negotiate rates for specific uses, and those rates become the legally mandated rate for those uses. In addition, some legal systems have levies, taxes or fees, that are assessed on reprographic equipment (copiers), computers (and computer devices that are able to copy visual works), or certain uses that may not be compensated in the United States but that are compensated abroad, (e.g., library lending fees that are paid by foreign libraries for lending books, foreign government uses, or certain foreign educational system uses). There are many variations. A detailed legal definition is set forth in the ASCRL Membership Agreement. You may also find out more information from the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations (IFRRO) of which ASCRL is a member.
Do I need to be a member of a trade association to join ASCRL?
No, but ASCRL encourages visual artists and rights owners to support their trade associations. When you register, you can also designate that certain trade associations may receive a portion of your funds, if you wish to support a particular association. You are not required to make such donations, and your right to receive ASCRL funds is not affected by your choice.
Am I eligible for ASCRL membership?
If you create or own copyright in visual works, and have at least three (3) published works, you are eligible for ASCRL membership. You must also be a United States citizen (or a Foreign National whose works have been published in the United States). You can provide this information on your membership registration form.
How can I join ASCRL?
If you are eligible, just fill out the membership form, provide the necessary information, and you are a member!
How much does it cost to join ASCRL as a member?
ASCRL membership is free.
ASCRL will typically make distributions annually, and may occasionally make additional, one-time distributions.
How much money will I receive?
The amount distributed to you and other claimants will be based upon the amount collected by ASCRL, the number of claims submitted, and the information provided by each claimant. Each qualified claimant receives a share based upon the claimant’s publication history and ASCRL's distribution rules.
How can I receive reprographic remuneration from ASCRL?
If you create or own copyright in visual works, use the JOIN ASCRL button to apply for ASCRL membership. Before ASCRL distributes reprographic funds, you will be notified on the ASCRL website, and you will be provided with an opportunity to submit a claim for a share of the funds that are distributed.
Do the membership terms provide ASCRL with copyright ownership in my work?
No. The membership terms do not give ASCRL copyright ownership in your work or any right to license your work on an individual basis.
Where can I find the ASCRL membership terms?
CLICK HERE To See the ASCRL Membership Agreement. You will also find the ASCRL Membership Agreement on the ASCRL registration platform.
Where do these reprographic funds come from?
Many foreign countries provide authors and rights owners compensation under legally mandated statutory schemes. These systems vary widely. Some of these legal systems require specific payments for specific uses as a condition for legal use. Some require payments through collecting societies, who are legally empowered to negotiate rates for specific uses, and those rates become the legally mandated rate for those uses. In addition, some legal systems have levies, taxes or fees, that are assessed on reprographic equipment (copiers), computers (and computer devices that are able to copy visual works), or certain uses that may not be compensated in the United States but that are compensated abroad, (e.g., library lending fees that are paid by foreign libraries for lending books, foreign government uses, or certain foreign educational system uses). There are many variations. A detailed legal definition is set forth in the ASCRL Membership Agreement. You may also find out more information from the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations (IFRRO) of which ASCRL is a member.
Do I need to be a member of a trade association to join ASCRL?
No, but ASCRL encourages visual artists and rights owners to support their trade associations. When you register, you can also designate that certain trade associations may receive a portion of your funds, if you wish to support a particular association. You are not required to make such donations, and your right to receive ASCRL funds is not affected by your choice.
Am I eligible for ASCRL membership?
If you create or own copyright in visual works, and have at least three (3) published works, you are eligible for ASCRL membership. You must also be a United States citizen (or a Foreign National whose works have been published in the United States). You can provide this information on your membership registration form.
How can I join ASCRL?
If you are eligible, just fill out the membership form, provide the necessary information, and you are a member!
How much does it cost to join ASCRL as a member?
ASCRL membership is free.
