Working to ensure the future of our industry

For more than seven decades, the Digital Media Licensing Association (DMLA) has advocated for, educated and connected the media production, distribution and licenisng industry. We have worked to developed business standards and best practices. We actively advocate for copyright, ethical AI and issues like right of privacy on behalf of our members. Throughout an era of continuous change, we have remained an active community where vital information is shared and common interests are explored.

DMLA believes the creators in this digital world should determine if, how and when their content is used and shared. DMLA has led the charge to protect copyright and strengthen copyright laws.

We are dedicated to ensuring the future of our industry by advocating on important issues such as:

  • Orphan Works legislation

  • Copyright Small Claims Court

  • Provenance, content authenticity and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence

  • Ethical AI

In addition, DMLA educates and informs its members on issues including technology, tools, and changes in the marketplace. DMLA also connects its members through webinars, its annual conference and industry networking events. Our members are provided a comprehensive selection of legal documents necessary for starting and maintaining a licensing business. This includes ready to use forms for licensing media, terms and conditions for use, and for forming partnerships with distributors and contributors.

DMLA was established in 1951 by a core group of New York stock photo agencies concerned about the protection of original transparencies. Today DMLA membership includes scores of companies representing the international world of media production, distribution and licensing. DMLA has evolved as the world has moved online but our focus has remained constant: to protect the rights of creators, those representing their work and the help ensure ethical business standards and practices.

DMLA is a unique community of professionals working together to build a stronger industry. No matter what corner of the industry you represent, we face similar concerns. Management, distribution, and content development are relevant to every organization, and keeping on top of the latest developments, as well as rights and licensing, is imperative.

DMLA's greatest strength lies within its membership. Together we can accomplish what individual companies cannot. Through strong collaboration and growing our organization, we can have a powerful our industry, best practices, copyright policy, and the way laws are written, protected and enforced for our members' businesses.

DMLA's Mission is to promote and protect the interests of the media production, distribution and licensing community through advocacy, education and connectivity.

Click here for more information on how to join.