SODRAC is founded in 1985 by the Society of Authors and Composers of Quebec (SPACQ), the Society for the Administration of Mechanical Reproduction Rights (SDRM Canada), a subsidiary of the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers (SACEM), and the Canadian Performing Rights Corporation Ltd. (SDE). SPACQ and SACEM are the only two shareholders of the Company.
In 1988, following the abolition of the Copyright Act’s mandatory licence for reproducing musical works on sound recording media, SODRAC negotiates a royalty rate with record producers and implements a licensing system.
In 1992, SODRAC negotiates the first general reproduction rights agreement in North America with a radio and TV broadcaster.
In 1997, SODRAC establishes a department devoted to rights management for visual artists.
On January 10, 2002, CMRRA-SODRAC inc. is created to offer a one-stop service for online music users. This joint venture between SODRAC and the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA) is given a mandate to issue licences to online music services and to distribute related royalties to its members. This entity represents almost the entire worldwide music repertoire.
On March 28, 2003, the Copyright Board of Canada grants CMRRA-SODRAC inc. the first musical reproduction rights tariff for commercial radios.
On April 1, 2004, SODRAC becomes a non-profit member-owned organization.
On June 15, 2004, the first annual general meeting of SODRAC’s members is held. SODRAC’s first Board of Directors, as elected by the members, is announced at the meeting.
On March 16, 2007, the Copyright Board of Canada grants CMRRA-SODRAC inc. the first online music tariff since the adoption of the Copyright Act.