PPI Licence – All You Need to Know

If you use copyright recorded music in public you will need a PPI Licence, including radio, TV, PC or any other means. “Public” means anywhere outside the family circle.

Why do I need a licence?

A PPI licence ensures that record companies and performers are being fairly paid for the use of their music. The people who wrote the music have a right to be paid whenever their songs are played in public. So too, the people who recorded and released the music.

Composers, publishers, performers and record companies/ self-releasing artists are all entitled to be paid a fee whenever their creations are used in public.

PPI is different from IMRO

IMRO collects on behalf of the composers and publishers. In most instances both a PPI and an IMRO licence are required.

IMRO, the Irish Music Rights Organisation, is an entirely separate organisation representing composers and music publishers. Whenever copyright music is publicly performed either by way of recordings or live performance, an IMRO licence is required.

IMRO administers the Dual Music Licence that also covers certain PPI licences, for more see: Apply for a Dual Music Licence on IMRO’s website (opens in a new tab)

Who needs to pay?

Owners of premises or promoters of events where sound recordings are publicly performed such as nightclubs, hotels, restaurants, cafes, clubs, dance & aerobic classes, greyhound tracks, football grounds, shops, hairdressers, banks, amusement arcades, cinemas, factories, fashion shows, offices, music on hold, doctors and dentists waiting rooms, bingo halls, museums, galleries, swimming pools, coaches etc.

Most businesses that play music need both a PPI and an IMRO licence. The Dual Music Licence covers both in one application, and IMRO administers it. Apply for a Dual Music Licence on IMRO’s website (opens in a new tab).

IMRO and PPI announce New Music Licensing System for Businesses in Ireland

IMRO to undertake music licensing on PPI’s behalf from next year. Streamlined process will make licensing more convenient for businesses which play music

24 September 2015

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and Phonographic Performance Ireland (PPI) today announced that starting on 1st January 2016, businesses that play music will be able to obtain a dual music licence, rather than two separate music licences from both organisations.

Currently under copyright legislation, businesses in Ireland that play recorded music in public are obliged to obtain two licences covering two separate copyrights – one which covers the public performance of the musical work on behalf of songwriters, composers and music publishers (currently administered by IMRO), and the other which covers the public performance of the sound recording on behalf of record producers and performers (currently administered by PPI).

Starting on 1st January next year, a dual copyright music licence covering both copyrights will replace the current two-licence system and will be administered by IMRO. A phasing-in period will allow current invoicing and licensing periods come into line with the new system and IMRO will be updating businesses as to their requirements.

Commenting, Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO said, “The new dual music licence will provide businesses which play music with clarity as to what they need to do to be legally compliant. It means that one contract covering all music copyrights will be available from IMRO, rather than two separate licence contracts from two different organisations. This will reduce the administrative burden for businesses in Ireland and save time. As we phase in the new system, we will be contacting affected businesses to explain the changes.”

“Introducing a more streamlined licensing system ensures that all businesses in Ireland continue to enjoy the benefits of using music. It is important that all involved in the creation of music, get a fair return for their work. Music is one of Ireland’s greatest assets, delivering half a billion euro to the economy annually and supporting 11,500 jobs. Music licensing is an important contributor to continued growth, maintaining jobs and fostering creativity in the sector.”

Dick Doyle, CEO of PPI said, “This new system will ensure an efficient, streamlined music licensing process for businesses in Ireland which will save them time and resources. The new model is very similar to systems that are in place in Denmark, the Netherlands and New Zealand. It makes sense that a dual licence covering all public performance rights is available for Irish businesses. We look forward to working with IMRO to ensure a smooth transition for our licensees. An information campaign will be initiated in the coming months to ensure as much clarity and support for businesses as possible. In operational terms, this announcement impacts less than 50% of PPI’s business. As a result up to 8 staff will be affected. Some of these staff will transfer with the business, while others will have the opportunity of either transferring with the business or availing of voluntary redundancy. A staff consultation period is now in train with those affected.”

Further information is available at Apply for a Dual Music Licence on IMRO’s website (opens in a new tab) and by phoning 1800 661 030