Imagine: you’re working peacefully in your shop, restaurant or gym. An inspector from a local collective management organisation (CMO) comes in for a check.
Many people ask us: “What documents should I show? And what if they question a track found on Shazam?”
The good news is that if you use MoosBox, your Direct Music Licence covers you.
This practical guide explains step by step what they check, what you can prepare in advance and why you won’t risk any double payments, thanks to the EU Directive 2014/26/EU, as implemented in local copyright law, and the ASCAP Compendium.
What they check during an inspection
When a collective management organisation carries out an inspection, they usually ask for:
- A valid licence that authorises the use of the music.
- The current invoice for the service, with valid dates.
- Information about the tracks played (some tracks may be recognised by public apps like Shazam, but remember: Shazam only identifies the song title and does not prove anything about your actual rights or licence).
Myth: Shazam is not valid legal proof
It often happens: a track can be recognised by apps like Shazam.
But Shazam is not valid legal proof: it only identifies the audio, not the chain of rights.
Many artists have tracks available publicly but also authorise an independent Collector.
What really matters is your Direct Music Licence and the verifiable, traceable mandate chain you can demonstrate by using MoosBox.
How the MoosBox Direct Licence works
With MoosBox, you’re protected because:
- All tracks are authorised through direct and non-exclusive agreements.
- Tracks produced with AI are registered with a timestamp system: every file has traceable proof.
- You can download your release letter and access your Manager Profile at any time.
What to do immediately: mini checklist
Here’s the practical procedure to follow if you get an inspection:
- ✅ Step 1 – Log into your Manager Profile and download your updated licence.
- ✅ Step 2 – Print or save your most recent invoice.
- ✅ Step 3 – Keep a copy in your premises, ready to show.
- ✅ Step 4 – If requested, show the release letter and explain you use an independent Collector.
- ✅ Step 5 – Remember your coverage is based on the EU Directive 2014/26/EU and the ASCAP Compendium.
- ✅ Step 6 – Send all documentation to MoosBox: our team will prepare a clear and prompt response for you.
Why you won’t risk double payments
The EU Directive 2014/26/EU guarantees freedom of mandate: an author can authorise an independent Collector in addition to a local CMO.
The ASCAP Compendium confirms rights management can be non-exclusive.
So a collective management organisation can only request payment for artists managed exclusively, never for repertoires already covered by a direct licence.
What to do if there are questions
If an inspector insists or you have doubts:
- Always show your licence and invoice.
- Invite them to read your FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions.
- Refer to the MoosBox Legal Protocol as your official document.
- Contact us immediately for support: our team is ready to help you.
MoosBox: your protection
With MoosBox, there are no surprises:
✅ Clear Direct Music Licence.
✅ AI tracks with timestamp.
✅ Verifiable mandate chain.
✅ No double payment.
Keep everything, stay updated and focus on your business. We’ll handle the compliance for you.
Choose the right music. Protect your business. With MoosBox, you’re safe.
