Overview

Since 2008 PRS for Music (Performing Rights Society) has increased its monitoring of music played in the workplace and in other premises, to check whether such businesses hold the appropriate licences. This trend is continuing.

In recent months it has become apparent that PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) is also conducting an aggressive enforcement campaign. It seems that PRS for Music and PPL share information. If your business needs licences from both of these organisations but only has a licence from one of them, then you may well be a target for investigation.

However, there is some good news. A recent ruling of the Copyright Tribunal, vigorously but unsuccessfully contested by PPL, confirmed that some of the tariffs charged by PPL from 2005 to 2009 were too high and unreasonable. Therefore, your business may be entitled to a refund if you paid PPL licence fees, under the affected tariffs, during that period.

This article explains:
• Why you may need a licence to play music in public
• PPL and PRS for Music – who they are and what they do
• When and how are PPL and PRS for Music licence fees payable
• How PPL and PRS for Music calculate their licence fees
• Dealing with approaches from PPL or PRS for Music
• Claiming Rebates From PPL

To read on click ‘View Briefing’