The flow diagram represents the complete E-commerce architecture which has been designed to support the licensing of musical works embodied in sound recordings for distribution and sale to the consumer.
Artists interpret musical works through their performance and by making recordings.
MCPS and PRS represent the Rights Holders in many Musical Works. On behalf of the Rights Holders in musical works, MCPS and PRS issue licences to music producers in return for a royalty payment. Each licence stipulates the terms and conditions which apply before musical work may be used. The licence transaction is conducted between the purple coloured roles of the Rights Holder and the Creation Provider . Composers and authors must register their musical works with MCPS and PRS so that accurate details can be maintained about the rights holders and to whom the royalties should be paid.