The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a trade organization representing the U.S. music recording industry. Formed in 1952, its initial mission was to manage recording copyright fees, work with trade unions, and research industry-related government regulations. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., RIAA supports the creative and commercial vitality of U.S. music labels, whose members create, manufacture, or distribute a majority of legally sold recorded music in the country.