Music in the workplace – what are PRS and PPL?

The cost of music in the workplace has long been a bone of contention for business owners  and many small businesses thought that by purchasing a licence from the PRS (Performing Right Society) they had fully complied with copyright legislation. However, this may not be the case.

Both PPL and PRS licence music, however, they are not the same. Whenever a sound recording is played in public, there are two separate licence fees that are payable:

1. A copyright for the musical and lyrical composition. This is covered by your PRS license.
2. A separate copyright for the actual sound recording. This needs to be covered by a PPL license.

The payment to the PRS is distributed to composers and publishers. The payment to PPL is distributed to record companies and performers.

If you play music in your business or want to include it in your product, you need clearance to do so from the owners of that music. If you do not obtain clearance for your use of copyrighted music, you could face legal action for copyright infringement and may become liable to pay damages and costs.

To find out more about Performing Right Society go to www.prsformusic.com.

To find out how much a licence would be once there, click on Music Users, then Play/Supply Music, then ‘type of business’ to obtain an example quotation. To obtain a licence contact the above number. You can pay for and obtain a licence over the telephone in about 10 minutes.

To find out more about Phonographic Performance Ltd go to www.ppluk.com.

To find out how much a licence would be once there, click on Music Users, then Playing Music in Public, then select your ‘type of business’. Next, click on the type of music you play, the floor area of premises and so on to find licence fee payable. You can apply for and obtain a licence online.

This article was provided by The Forum of Private Businesses, www.fpb.org.