What are the Norms of the PPL?

PPL or Phonographic Performance Limited is a United Kingdom based music licensing and performance rights organization. It was founded by two record companies namely Decca Records and EMI in May 1934. According to the records PPL holds the royalties for over 1, 00,000 performers and recording right-holders in the year 2019.

Businesses need to take the PPL License to be able to play music in a public place in any pre-recorded form such as CDs, Radio, TV, etc. The term “playing in public” is defined by the UK Courts as playing music anywhere outside the domestic setting. So, playing music at places like public events, workplace, or any other workplace can be considered as “playing in public” and it requires a prior license before starting to play music.

The PPL license holder has the permission to/ is entitled to play music from the PPL’s repertoire or the commercially released music registered with the PPL. However the music that is outside the PPL’s copyright terms or freely licensed no not need licensing.

What do you need to know about IPRS?

IPRS or Indian Performing Rights Society is a Copyright Society that legitimizes the use of Copyrighted Music Works used by consumers by providing them licenses and collecting royalties on behalf of its members, i.e. people who make music such as composers, authors/lyricists and music publishers/music companies. The royalties that the institution collets is distributed among its members after deducting the Administration costs of the IRPS.

Purpose of Obtaining a Music License

The purpose of issuing the music license is to protect the rights of the composers, songwriters, and publishers.

How much does a Music License Cost?

The fee of the PPL license depends upon;

• The type of place
• Number of hours
• Number of songs played
• Capacity of the venue
• The type of business

If you conduct live performances at your business you would need the IPRS License. Generally, the license fee for each Square feet of your building is Rs. 1.50/sq. feet and the minimum royalty under their tariff is Rs. 50,000, etc. Check their tariff schemes based on the type of activity performed at your business.

Who should get a Music License?

Anyone who wishes to play pre-recorded music outside the personal/ domestic setting, at a public place should get this license to avoid any penalty. The public places may be a hotel, pubs, events, restaurant, cafes, cinemas, offices, sport events, product launch, malls, aircrafts or any other places where the music is played in a business setting. In other words in a place where music is played at a place used for gaining some profit.

You need the IRPS License if you are indulged in the following activities at your business place;

• Public performances
• Band performances
• Singers performing at your business
• Any other activity which do not involve playing pre-recorded music