What is CWR and how do I get started with CWR file delivery?

Common Works Registration (CWR) is a standardized format used for registering and updating musical works with Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) or Mechanical Rights Organizations (MROs), such as HFA or the MLC. CWR includes all the required data elements for a publisher to register a work.

How do I get started with CWR file delivery?

Each publisher must determine how they will implement the CWR standard. Options include:

1. Building your own solution in-house

2. Purchasing third-party software, such as from: Counterpoint / Music Maestro/ Simply Royalties

For more background on the standard itself, you can visit www.cisac.org.

If you already have a CWR delivery framework in place
To begin submitting CWR files to HFA or the MLC, you’ll need to provide the following:

• A test CWR file
  This should include a header record (which you’ll use in all future transmissions) and a small batch of works so we can test the ingestion process.
• Notification email address(es)
  We’ll use these addresses to send automated alerts letting you know when acknowledgment (ACK) files are available for pickup.
• Once we validate your test file, we’ll provide you with access to a secure FTP location where you can upload CWR files and retrieve your ACK files.