Merlin, the global digital rights agency for the world’s independent label sector, has today announced a significant reduction to its Administration Fee for members.  

The Administration Fee on commercial deals is reducing by 20% - from 2.5% of revenues to 2%. 

It is the fifth time in four years that Merlin has reduced Administration Fees - they are now almost a quarter of what they were in 2012. This highlights the organisation’s commitment to providing its members with the most efficient level of service, whilst delivering the greatest possible value to their digital business.  

In 2015 the agency marked the first full year of operation of its US office, an expansion of staff at its London office, further roll out of its online dashboard and welcomed its 700th member. 

As of today, Merlin has 705 direct members, representing between them tens of thousands of independent labels from 46 countries on all continents. 

Since 2010, Merlin’s membership has increased by 60% and is now equivalent to approximately 12% of the global recorded music market. 

Commenting on today’s announcement, Charles Caldas, CEO, Merlin said: 

“Merlin’s members are the bedrock of our organisation and following a year that saw such significant expansion in our activities, it is hugely satisfying to announce today’s 20% reduction in Administration Fees. We look forward  to delivering even greater value in 2016 as we help our members grow their businesses in the year ahead.”

About Merlin:

Merlin is the global digital rights agency for the world’s independent label sector.

The organisation’s members command in excess of 10% of the global digital recorded music market and embody more than 20,000 independent record labels and distributors from 46 countries and all continents.  These include Beggars Group, Secretly Group, Domino, Epitaph, !K7, Kobalt Label Services, [PIAS], Merge and Warp, representing some of the world’s most important and successful artists.

Merlin acts to ensure these companies have effective access to new and emerging revenue streams and that their rights are appropriately valued and protected.

Since commencing operations in May 2008, Merlin has licensed key digital services including SoundCloud, YouTube Red, Spotify, Pandora, Google Play, Deezer, Vevo, KKBOX and Guvera.

Merlin has reached a number of high value copyright infringement settlements on behalf of its members with, amongst others, Limewire, XM Satellite Radio and Grooveshark.

Merlin has offices in London and New York, with a head office in Amsterdam.

www.merlinnetwork.org