Collective Management Organization (CMO)

A Collective Management Organization (CMO) is a group that helps creators—such as musicians, writers, and artists—manage their copyright and licensing rights. Instead of each individual handling their own rights, CMOs collect and distribute royalties on behalf of many members. For example, when a song is played on the radio or streamed online, the CMO collects payment from those using the music and shares the earnings with its members. This system makes it easier for creators to receive fair compensation while ensuring that users of creative works can access a wide array of licensed content.