Harry Fox Agency
An organization that issues mechanical licenses and collects royalties for music publishers.
Definition
The Harry Fox Agency (HFA) is a mechanical licensing organization that issues licenses for reproducing copyrighted musical compositions (mechanical licenses) and collects/distributes the resulting royalties to music publishers. HFA handles a significant portion of U.S. mechanical licensing.
With the Music Modernization Act, mechanical licensing for streaming is now handled by the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), though HFA continues other licensing services.
Why It Matters
HFA has historically been central to mechanical licensing and royalty collection. Understanding their role helps navigate the complex landscape of music rights organizations.
The shift of some functions to the MLC represents ongoing evolution in how mechanical royalties are administered.
Examples in Practice
A label obtaining mechanical licenses through HFA to release cover songs on physical products.
HFA distributing mechanical royalties to its publisher clients from various licensees.
The transition of streaming mechanical administration from HFA to the MLC under the MMA.