How the system works

The registration workflow begins when a rights holder submits a work to the platform. Required inputs include descriptive metadata such as title, release date, and genre; a complete list of contributors with their legal identities and ownership percentages; and the audio asset itself. The system processes these inputs by generating a cryptographic fingerprint from the audio file and assigning a globally unique identifier to the work. This identifier links the fingerprint, the rights splits, the timestamp of registration, and the verified identities of all stakeholders into a single record.

The record is written to an immutable ledger, meaning that once created, it cannot be altered or deleted. Any subsequent changes to ownership or splits require the creation of a new versioned record that references the original, preserving a complete chain of title. This approach eliminates ambiguity about who owned what at any point in time and provides a verifiable foundation for licensing, enforcement, and settlement processes. The content fingerprint ensures that usage can be detected even when metadata tags are stripped, filenames are changed, or works are distributed through informal channels.

Automated monitoring agents scan a wide range of platforms continuously for matches to registered works. Detection is based on audio fingerprinting technology that analyzes the acoustic properties of the audio signal rather than relying solely on titles, artist names, or other metadata that can be easily modified or omitted. When a match is identified, the system retrieves the corresponding registration record and determines whether the usage occurred through a known, legitimate channel or represents an unrecognized use.

The distinction between recognized and unrecognized uses is central to the system's operation. Recognized uses include streams on licensed platforms where formal agreements already exist between the rights holder and the service. Unrecognized uses include uploads to services without prior licensing arrangements, appearances in user-generated content, or circulation through informal distribution channels. This classification drives the subsequent licensing and enforcement logic.

For each detected use, the system applies a configurable policy that determines the appropriate response. If the use is already covered by an existing license, the event is logged and routed into settlement. The system records the platform, the type of use, the timestamp, and any associated metadata required for royalty calculation. No manual intervention is required, and the rights holder gains visibility into the usage without needing to parse platform-specific reports.

If the detected use is eligible for standard licensing under the rights holder's preferences, the system initiates an automated licensing offer or applies predefined terms. This workflow is particularly relevant for background music services, synchronization opportunities, and platform partnerships where blanket or template licenses are appropriate. The system can present licensing options, accept payments, and record the agreement on the ledger without requiring the rights holder to negotiate each transaction individually.

If the use is non-compliant or represents a high-risk scenario such as commercial exploitation without authorization, the system triggers escalation. Depending on configuration, this can involve notifying the rights holder, initiating platform-level enforcement procedures, or preparing documentation for legal action. The immutable usage record and provenance data serve as evidence in these processes, reducing the burden of proof and shortening the time required to achieve resolution.

Rights holders and investors configure policy within regulatory boundaries. The system provides templates and guardrails to ensure that automated licensing and enforcement actions comply with applicable laws, including mechanical licensing rules, compulsory license provisions, and platform terms of service.

Payable events convert into cash flows through an automated settlement process that aggregates usage data, applies ownership splits, and executes payments. Where necessary, the system batches micro-transactions to reduce overhead, particularly for high-volume, low-value uses such as individual streams on subscription services. Splits are applied automatically based on the ownership percentages recorded at registration, ensuring that every contributor receives their share without manual distribution or approval steps.

The platform supports multi-currency and cross-border settlement where relevant, handling currency conversion and compliance with payment regulations in different jurisdictions. Settlement records are written to the ledger alongside usage and licensing events, creating a complete audit trail from detection through payment.

Rights holders and investors access performance data through portfolio-wide dashboards that aggregate usage, revenue, and enforcement activity across all registered works. Work-level histories combine usage events, licensing decisions, and payments in a single chronological view, allowing users to understand how a particular work generates income and where issues arise. Data is exportable in standard formats for integration with accounting systems, financial reporting, and audit processes. This reporting surface supports both operational management and strategic decision-making, including portfolio optimization, pricing negotiations with platforms, and valuation for financing or sale transactions.