# Commercial Law (GCL)

## Title 11. Trade Regulation

### Subtitle 14. Copyright Royalties

#### Section 11-1403

(a) Before discussing a contract for the payment of royalties or the use of copyrighted works by a proprietor and before collecting or attempting to collect a royalty or fee under the contract, an agent or an employee of a performing rights society shall:

  (1) Disclose that the agent or employee is acting on behalf of a performing rights society;

  (2) Identify the performing rights society for which the agent or the employee acts; and

  (3) Disclose the purpose of the discussion.

(b) A performing rights society or the agent or employee of the performing rights society may collect a royalty or any other fee only as provided in a contract executed in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle.

(c) A performing rights society or the agent or employee of a performing rights society may not:

  (1) Use or attempt to use an unfair or deceptive act or practice in dealing or negotiating with a proprietor or the employee of a proprietor; or

  (2) Charge or collect a royalty which is unreasonable in comparison to the royalties for similar licenses in the same area.

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Md. Code Ann., Com. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)