What is classed as public?

I've already paid for the CD, why do I have to pay again?

When you buy a CD it is for your private and domestic use only. To play it in public you need the record company's permission, which is what you obtain by getting a PPL licence. Under the Indian copyright law, if a CD or any other form of sound recording is played in public without this permission it means that the rights of the copyright owner are being infringed, and that then becomes an illegal act.

Most foreign recordings are copyright protected in India. International licensing agreements often exist between PPL's member companies and the foreign producers; such recordings are then subject to PPL's control. In any case, the overwhelming majority- over 95%- of International music is owned by PPL members like Universal, Sony, Crescendo and Virgin.

Why do I need a PPL license when I already have a PRS licence?

There are two separate copyrights in each sound recording. The songwriter or composer owns the copyright in the song , and their licence fees are collected by the PRS. The copyright in the recording is owned by the record company that has financed and produced it, and their licence fees are collected by PPL.

Who is responsible for getting a licence?

In most cases, the owner or lessee of the premises should apply for the licence. In some situations we issue the licence to the person responsible for the event, such as the individual dance teacher or exercise instructor.

I rent my background music equipment; do I still need a licence?

If you play sound recordings for any other purpose or not via your hired background music equipment you will require a licence from PPL for that additional music use.

The fee paid to your hire company only covers the background music or system you hire from them.

Additionally since the usage of music is meant for Featured Performance, Special rates as applicable for this category shall be applicable.

If you hire your jukebox from a jukebox operator, they should hold a PPL licence on your behalf. If you actually own your jukebox you will need to directly apply to PPL for a licence.

Do I need a licence to play only a radio or TV?

Yes as per the copyright law of 1957

Each and every Music Product be it CD / MC has the necessary notice informing the users prohibiting them from Publicly using their sound recordings.

Tariffs are printed in the Government Gazzettes.( Latest Copy attached)

PPL in the past has also released Newspaper Advertisement educating the people about the need to obtain prior License. ( Sample Copies attached)

Your DJ's PPL license authorizes him to use sound recordings only for specific occasions with a specified number of audiences. Your event is not covered by the DJ's license and therefore you have to take an events license from PPL.

Our hotel already has a PPL license. Why do we need to take a license from PPL for our New Years' party or any other event?

Your existing license with PPL very clearly specifies that it covers only the lobby/ rooms/ restaurants, as the case may be, in the normal course of your business. An event like a New Years party or a Christmas party where you plan to use sound recordings is A SPECIAL EVENT NOT COVERED by your PPL license and hence a separate license has to be taken to cover it.