PPL & IPRS Music Licence Registration Procedure

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Lasya Pamidi

IPRS
Legal
License
Music License
PPL
Last updated on April 30th, 2021

What is PPL & IPRS music License

PPL – Phonographic Performance Limited and IPRS – The Indian Performing Right Societies Ltd. are two leading organisations that provide Music License in India. Music License is a requirement for all the businesses where activities such as pre-recorded music/songs in the form of music Cassette, Gramophone records, Radio, TV, CDs, or in Audio-Visual form, etc are carried out or live songs are performed, as per the Copyright Act, 1957. Playing music in public places for any commercial purposes, it is mandatory for all to obtain such license.

For Playing Pre-recorded Music: Copyright Society for Sound Recording which is Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) issues music license to entities such as restaurants and cafes who want to play music in their premises.

For performing Live music: In case, any business unit is willing to have singers in their premises for the singing or live concert purpose then business have to approach Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) for the license.

Documents required to get Music License

Registration Procedure to get PPL Music License in India

Registration Procedure to get IPRS Music License in India

Cost of Obtaining PPL & IPRS License

The fee of the Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) license depends upon various factors such as;

Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS) License is a requirement in case your business conducts live performances. 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 INR 50,000, etc.

What are the penalties for the offender?

Section 63 and 63 A. of the Copyright Act defines the punishments in case a person / entity or business does not avail registration with the Copyright Society and performs such activities as defined in the Section 51 of the Copyright Act then such person /entity or business shall be liable for such punishments.

Punishments according to Section 63 are as below where any person infringes the copyrights or other rights:

Punishments according to Section 63 are as below where any person infringes the copyrights or other rights and are repetitive offender;

FAQs

Who has the Authority to Issue Music License?

Both the IPRS (Indian Performing Rights Society) and any Registered Cooperative Society are eligible to issue a Music License in India. However, the type of Music License depends on the need of Cafés/ Bars/ Restaurants that whether they want to arrange live performances or use pre-recorded songs.

Which law Governs Music License?

The Copyright Act, 1957, acts as the Governing Law for the Music License.

Is PPL legal in India?

The concept of PPL (Public Performance License) was developed under the Copyright Act, 1957. As per this act, the owner must obtain Performance License; Entertainment License, and PPL License, if he/she wants to play music, drums, pre-recording songs or music in an open area.

Got Questions? Ask Away!

  1. Trade License is a license or permission issued by a municipal corporation granting permission to carry on a particular business at a particular address. It ensures that the citizens are not adversely affected by health hazard and nuisance by the improper carrying of trade.