Before you crank up the music, you need to secure a Novex license for events.
As an event planner, music, especially Bollywood and Indian pop songs is crucial to your event.
Not only are they inexpensive as compared to live music, but they are also loved by the crowds.
However, you can’t play them anywhere and at any time.
You need the proper event licenses, especially as an event planner.
Today, we’re discussing the Novex license which allows you to play music freely and legally at events.
A. What is a Novex license?
Novex license allows you to use recordings of copyrighted music at events. Be it a corporate, social, fashion, or public event, Novex license allows you to use Bollywood music freely.
By playing the music after securing Novex license for events, you can avoid penalties and jail. Novex allows you the lawful right to play music that comes under it.
For example, you’re organizing a wedding and want to play Punjabi or Bollywood music in the background. In such a case, the venue would want to make sure you purchase this license.
If you get caught playing the music without a license, you can suffer fines and imprisonment under copyright laws.
Novex license allows you to use music from popular labels such as Yash Raj Films and Zee Music. You can refer to the Novex Catalogue to see if the music you’re intending to play comes under the license. The catalog contains the list of all songs that would be illegal to play in public performances without this license.
B. What is the purpose of Novex license for events?
Novex license exists so piracy of music can be controlled, especially for huge events.
The money earned by distributing Novex licenses is then distributed as royalty to artists.
In a way, this license also empowers individuals and event planners to access copyrighted music without fear.
C. When do you need a Novex license?
A Novex license is required for any type of public performance that uses sound recordings that come under Novex properties.
This license is required if you use Novex sound recordings on a regular basis at:
- Hotels
- Clubs
- Lounges
- Pubs
- Shops
- Stores
- Malls
- Salons
- Hospitals
- Offices
- Amusement parks
- Buses
- Taxis
- Aircraft
In addition, playing recorded music at events, shows, parties, and social functions, with or without DJs also needs a Novex license.
Note: This excludes personal consumption of the music.
D. Why do I need a Novex license for events?
Getting a Novex license for events will allow you to play music from popular Indian labels without legal repercussions.
Most of the music popularly played in Indian events is copyrighted. For example, all the popular party songs like “Ude Dil Befikre” or “Zingaat” are controlled by Novex for public usage.
Section 51(a) of the Copyright Act, 1957 states—”When any person without rights granted by the owner of the copyright under the Act or in contravention of the conditions of a rights so granted or any of the conditions imposed by a competent authority under the Act, does anything, the exclusive right to do which is by the Act conferred upon the owner of the copyright shall be considered that the copyright shall be entitled to civil and/or criminal remedy conferred by law for the infringement of a right.”
In simpler terms, you can face legal consequences of playing this music without permission.
But what will happen if you don’t get this license?
If caught without the license, you can attract heavy penalties that can draw fines of up to INR 10 lakhs or jail time of 3 years.
By simply getting this license, you can avoid lawsuits and fines.
Additionally, it is also a moral obligation to reward the artists you’re using the music from.
E. What should I do if I don’t have Novex license?
In the unlikely event that there’s checking happening and you fail to produce a Novex license, you can do any of the following:
- Pause the celebration and music immediately
- Secure the Novex license online in just five minutes. Make sure you have an existing account with details filled in to make the process swift
However, do note that you can still end up in legal trouble.
It is best to have all the licenses in place and organize your event legally and smoothly.
F. How can I get a Novex license?
Getting a Novex license for events only takes a few minutes.
For this, head to the Novex website.
Finish the application by mentioning your event’s type, date, setting, and expected crowd size.
Based on these details, the website will give you a quotation for what the license will cost you.
It’s essential you apply for this license well in advance so you don’t encounter any last-minute problems.
We also recommend you keep a copy of your license close to you on the day of the event. This ensures no hurdles in case there’s sudden checking at the event.
With this, you will have the lawful right to play their music at the event.
G. What is the cost of Novex license?
The cost of a Novex license for events varies on the type of event, setting, and crowd size.
However, we will warn you, that it’s definitely not very pocket-friendly.
Bigger events with greater utilization of the music attract bigger price tags. This is done to protect the interests of the music industry.
You can calculate the cost of the Novex license specifically for your event using this calculator.
As of March 2024, this is the variable cost for the Novex license for events:
| No. of Attendees | Cost of License |
|---|---|
| 1-50 | INR 46,500 |
| 51-100 | INR 60,000 |
| 101-200 | INR 80,000 |
| 201-400 | INR 1,00,000 |
| 401-600 | INR 1,20,000 |
| 601-800 | INR 1,40,000 |
| 801-1000 | INR 1,60,000 |
These prices are excluding 18% GST.
Additionally, if you have a celebrity at your event, the cost of a Novex license for events increases. This license will cost you INR 2,75,000 extra for each celebrity.
Ticketed events will cost you INR 1,00,000 extra in addition to the abovementioned tariff.
Special settings like pools, terrace, and open grounds will cost you INR 35,000 more in addition.
These costs can also vary during festivals like Holi, Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day etc.
H. What is EventTube?
To create more unforgettable experiences at your event, you need to get consistent insider tips!
EventTube is your gateway to the top-secret event industry trends.
To ensure you don’t miss a beat in this industry, EventTube will help simplify things for you.
But, we don’t expect you to Google us every morning.
So, why don’t you sign up for our newsletter below so we can deliver bite-sized knowledge to you in your inbox?
