For over 70 years, the Digital Media Licensing Association (DMLA) has been the trusted voice of the media production, distribution, and licensing industry. We advocate for copyright, ethical AI, privacy rights, and the interests of creators and the companies that support them. Through ongoing education, industry standards development, and community-building, we help members navigate a rapidly changing landscape with confidence.

DMLA believes creators should have the right to control if, how, and when their content is used and shared. We have long led the charge to strengthen copyright protections and advocate for fair and ethical use of creative works in the digital age.

Our mission is to promote and protect the interests of the media licensing community through:

• Advocacy on critical issues such as:

  • Orphan Works legislation

  • Copyright Small Claims Court access

  • Provenance, content authenticity, and ethical AI standards

  • Privacy rights and protections

• Education through webinars, resources, and events that keep members informed on legal, technological, and market trends.

• Connection via an active community of peers, our annual conference, and networking opportunities.

We also provide members with a comprehensive library of legal templates and tools essential for running a media licensing business—licensing agreements, terms and conditions, and partnership forms—so you can focus on growing your business.

Since our founding in 1951 by New York’s leading stock photo agencies, DMLA has evolved to meet the needs of today’s global, digital-first world. While technology and markets have changed, our mission has remained constant: to protect the rights of creators, foster ethical business standards, and support the success of our members.

No matter where you sit in the media ecosystem—creator, distributor, or rights holder—we share common challenges and opportunities. Together, we can achieve what no company can accomplish alone: a strong, unified voice shaping the future of media licensing.

Join us—and help build a stronger, more ethical, and sustainable industry.

Click HERE to learn how to join.