If you want to arrange music or use it in print, online, advertisements, film or TV you need the permission and a licence from the copyright owners of the musical work (composer or Publisher) and the sound recording (Record Label or artist).
Our works search feature is free, offers immediate results and can help you obtain the details of published works in our repertoire. If you are arranging the work or seeking synchronisation clearance, you will need to reach out to the rightsholders directly. Find the contact you need here Publisher contact list.
If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, we also offer a premium service where one of our team will do the research for you using a number of databases around the world. This service provides information at a fee of $55 (excl. GST) for the first 11 works, and $5 (excl. GST) per work for additional works. Once the form is submitted we will issue you with an invoice which is payable before you receive the ownership information.
Complete request form (PDF 195 KB)
Please note: getting information about the copyright owner from APRA AMCOS does not constitute an authorisation of any kind to use the musical work or sound recording in any manner whatsoever. You can only obtain authorisation from the owner or representative of the relevant rights.
Head to our works search and enter:
Once you hit the search button, a page with all results of your search will come up. There may be a few results or hundreds depending on the number of works in our database that match your criteria.
Writers – this will return the writer/s listed on the work. Listing surname followed by given names. The # in the brackets next to Writer lists the number of writers officially credited on the work.
Work ID – this is the ID our system generates for a work and is handy when referencing the work with APRA AMCOS or rightsholders.
ISWC – International Standard Work Code
AMCOS control – this indicates the % represented by an AMCOS member. It does not mean that AMCOS is the contact for sync clearance as this will most likely sit with the Composer/Publisher.
Alternate titles – other titles this work is also known as (AKA)
Publishers – the Publishers who are members of APRA and/or AMCOS (see green tick) and represent the work in this territory. You will need to contact the Publishers if you wish to arrange a work, request to sample or seek sync clearance. Find Publisher contacts here.
Local work – a tick here notes that at least one writer member listed is a local APRA AMCOS member. A cross notes there are no local writer members listed.
Performers – this will list all artists that are credited as performing the song at any time. This list can get long if the song is a popular one.
Your search results will not include jingles, Public Domain or disputed works. If you can't find what you’re looking for, please contact us for more information. If you need help for multiple works or a hard to find work, you can complete our request form (PDF 195 KB).
Copyright of recorded music also usually requires an additional licence for the sound recording in the song.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) may be able to assist you with this. Contact ARIA on 02 8569 1144 or you can visit their website.
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