The Copyright Royalty Tribunal was established by an act of October 19, 1976 (90 Stat. 2594; 17 U.S.C. 801).
The tribunal makes determinations concerning the adjustment of copyright royalty rates for records, jukeboxes, and certain cable television transmissions. After compulsory cable television and jukebox royalties have been deposited with the register of copyrights, the tribunal distributes the fees and, in cases of controversy among claimants, determines their distribution.
The tribunal also establishes and makes determinations concerning terms and rates of royalty payments for the use by public broadcasting stations of published nondramatic compositions and pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works. Cost-of-living adjustments are made to these noncommercial broadcasting rates in August of each year.
Factors involved in tribunal decisions include the existence of economic conditions, the impact on copyright owners and users and the industry involved, and the maximization of the availability of creative works to the public. Recognizing the right of copyright owners to receive a fair return, the tribunal ensures them access to information about the use of their works.
