Can I get a license through Songfile for a foreign release?

HFA issues mechanical licenses that are valid for the physical or digital reproduction (a DPD) of compositions embodied in sound recordings that are manufactured and distributed to the public for private use in the U.S. (including its territories and possessions).

With respect to licensees located outside of the U.S., there is a distinction between the licenses that are available for the reproduction of physical products, such as CDs, versus digital reproductions (DPDs), such as permanent digital downloads, interactive streams, limited downloads, and ringtones.

HFA cannot issue mechanical licenses for physical products that are manufactured outside of the U.S. The products require an import license in order to be distributed in the U.S. and its territories and possessions.

A foreign licensee of digital reproductions (DPDs) may obtain mechanical licenses from HFA in order to distribute such digital reproductions in the U.S., as long as the country in which the computer server transmitting such digital reproductions is located is in the U.S.

For further assistance in obtaining your mechanical license for foreign use, please contact the Foreign Rights Society that administers this type of licensing for that country. You can find out a country’s mechanical rights association and website at www.biem.org.