Washington

Under Washington state law, performing rights organizations (PROs) must register with the Department of Licensing, file a copy of their licensing agreement annually, and maintain a valid Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number to operate legally.

PROs must electronically provide business proprietors with:

• The most current list of represented members and affiliates,

• The most current list of licensed works

Conduct Requirements for PROs and Agents

Before seeking a license or collecting royalties, agents must identify themselves, the PRO they represent, and their purpose.

Agents are prohibited from:

• Using obscene, abusive, or profane language,

• Contacting proprietors by phone or outside their business location unless the location is unavailable and authorized by the proprietor,

• Engaging in coercive or disruptive conduct,

• Using unfair or deceptive negotiation tactics,

• Continuing direct communication with a proprietor after being notified in writing to communicate through the proprietor’s attorney—unless the attorney becomes unresponsive for 60+ days.

Contract Requirements

All contracts must:

• Be in writing and signed by both parties,

• Include notice of available information per RCW 19.370.03

• State the proprietor's name, business address, and contract location

• Include the name of the PRO, contract duration, and a full rate schedule, including any sliding scale or rate adjustment terms