IPRS license for events allows you to use music in your events lawfully and freely.
Be it live music or music played by a DJ, an IPRS license comes into play.
This article explores why use cases, needs, processes, and cost of getting an IPRS license.
Here, you will get all your questions answered when it comes to an IPRS license for events.
Additional Read: All The Licenses One Needs For Planning Events
A. What does IPRS stand for?
IPRS stands for Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS).
It is a copyright society in India. It addresses authors, lyricists, and music distributors.
IPRS deals with the freedoms of its individuals and licenses the public presentation of their
music.
In a nutshell, IPRS conducts its business by granting licenses per Section 30. The society is an owner of the copyrights with its members who are owners of the music and have assigned the same to it.
Musicians and labels can reach out to IPRS to copyright their music and be eligible for royalties.
Mr. Javed Akhtar, who is the Chairman of IPRS says—” IPRS has come a long way and today stands firm as a representative body of all of its members, Music Publishers, Lyricists (Authors) and Music Composers.”
B. What is IPRS license for events?
An IPRS license must be secured for playing recorded or live music that falls under the IPRS copyright.
You can find the list of songs on this portal on the official IPRS website. For further information, you can also email them at [email protected] to confirm whether a song belongs to its repertoire.
The website is still in its beta version. Therefore, make sure you seek all clarification before you purchase the license.
C. Who needs an IPRS license?
If you’re an individual or company who wants to use IPRS copyrighted music in any of the following use cases:
- Public performance in malls, events premises, pubs, multiplex, banquets, hotels etc
- Broadcasting music on Radio and television
- Music streaming on the internet
- Using copyrighted music in ringtones or caller tunes
- Commercial usage of music for advertising
Then, you must secure an IPRS license that will allow you to legally use the music recording or play it live.
To ensure that the music you have in mind falls under IPRS, do check their list here on the official IPRS website. Alternatively, you can also email them at [email protected] to confirm whether a song belongs to them.
D. Is an IPRS license needed for events?
Yes, for event planners, an IPRS permit is required at whatever point music is played openly.
This incorporates live exhibitions, DJ sets, and recorded music.
Occasions like shows, weddings, corporate get-togethers, and celebrations all need this permit.
The IPRS permit guarantees that the music makers get fair remuneration for their work.
By getting this permit, event organizers lawfully secure the option to utilize music on their occasions.
An IPRS license for events is required if you are planning to play music that has a copyright.
E. How to get an IPRS license for events?
Getting an IPRS license for events is not as straightforward as an online form. Follow these steps to secure your license:
- Check the IPRS website: Start by visiting the IPRS website for detailed information on getting a license
- Understand your event: Different events need different licenses. Figure out what kind of music you’ll be using and at what kind of event
- Find the application: You can see a range of use cases of IPRS-owned music. From usage at events or pubs, select your type or venue and event on this portal [source: IPRS]
- Fill out the application: Complete the application form on the website with details about your event, like the date, location, and expected attendance
- Submit your application: Send in the completed form along with any required documents
- Pay the fee: Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive a bill. Pay this to get your license
- Plan ahead: Apply well in advance to avoid last-minute stress
- Get help: IPRS offers support if you have questions
Getting licenses for government-owned content can be challenging. You might need to follow up multiple times and even involve your contacts.
F. What is the cost of an IPRS license for events?
We’ve simplified the cost of the license for events. This fee list applies to using music at events with live bands or DJs.
The exact cost depends on the type of event:
- Hotels: Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 per event
- Outdoor events: Rs. 75,000 per event
- Sponsored events: Rs. 150,000 per event
- TV shows: Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 750,000 per event
- Events with tickets: 3% of ticket sales (minimum Rs. 40,000)
However, keep in mind that:
- Effective Date: This fee structure started on January 1, 2021, and applies to all payments due from that date forward
- Penalties: If you broke the rules before this date and want to fix it, you might have to pay 30% extra
- Price Changes: Fees might go up over time based on inflation
- Inspections: You need to give two event passes for inspections when applying for a license
- Taxes: The listed fees don’t include any taxes
There are specific rules about what counts as live music and ticketed events. These details are in the full tariff document.
G. How is the cost of an IPRS license calculated?
IPRS uses a complex system to determine the royalty charges payable by licensees. These fees are typically paid annually in advance.
Here are some of the factors that IPRS considers when calculating these fees:
- The type of venue where the music will be performed (e.g., restaurant, nightclub, wedding hall)
- The type of entertainment being provided (e.g., live performance, DJ music)
- The value of music to the venue or platform
- Comparable license fees
- Other relevant factors
You can find more information about the IPRS Tariff Scheme on their website.
H. Why is getting an IPRS license for events important?
In India, you need an IPRS permit to legally use music at events. Without it, you could face legal trouble and hefty fines.
This permit ensures you’re following copyright laws and protects you from lawsuits.
Beyond legal compliance, an IPRS permit supports the music industry by paying songwriters and musicians for their work.
It encourages new music and helps artists build their careers.
Plus, having a permit boosts your event’s reputation, showing respect for musicians and their rights.
IPRS is responsible for managing copyrights for songs and lyrics. Other companies like PPL and Novex handle the rights for recorded music.
If you don’t register your copyright as required by law, you can be punished with up to 3 years in jail and a fine of at least 50,000 rupees.
I. Where is IPRS office located?
IPRS offices are located across India.
You can also find the regional managers for your specific music use case on this portal [source: IPRS]
J. Do I need to get an IPRS license if I already have Novex or PPL License?
As per its Registration Certificate, IPRS has been registered to carry out the copyright business in ‘musical works’ and ‘literary works associated with the musical work’.
On the other hand, private entities such as PPL and Novex administer rights for the sound recording.
When a song is played, both:
(i) the sound recording as well as,
(ii) the underlying musical and literary works, get utilized, and separate licenses need to be taken for each category.
While the first license (for sound recording) can be obtained from owners of sound recordings.
The license (for the musical and literary works) must be obtained from IPRS alone.
To put clearly, for live music where lyrics of songs from IPRS are being used, then you definitely need an IPRS license.
K. FAQ
1. Is an IPRS license required for a wedding?
Yes, if you’re using lyrics or musical compositions from the IPRS library of songs and music, then you need an IPRS license.
Whether the music is played pre-recorded by the DJ or sung live, an IPRS license is mandatory to avoid legal troubles.
2. Is an IPRS license required for DJ at events?
Yes, since the DJ is utilizing literary works and compositions in songs, an IPRS license will be required.
However, this is only necessary if the songs are under the IPRS Library of Music.
You can also email them at [email protected] to confirm whether a song belongs to them.
3. Is an IPRS license required to play remixes and versions of original songs?
If the original songwriter isn’t properly credited in a new song, it’s a serious legal issue.
This violates the songwriter’s “moral rights,” which are protected under Indian copyright law.
Not crediting the original songwriter also means they won’t get paid royalties. This is a financial loss for them and is also against the law.
IPRS, an organization that protects songwriters’ rights, makes sure original songwriters are acknowledged and paid when their work is used in new songs.
If both the original and new songwriters are members of IPRS, they can share the royalties from the new song.
L. What did you learn?
Integrating music into your event requires a lot of caution (and money!)
By getting an IPRS permit, you don’t just improve your event experience but also ensure the music owners are fairly compensated.
Embracing these practices makes you a better event planner.
And you know what else will help you become a better event planner?
Keeping up with industry updates that EventTube has in store for you!
