Music is a key ingredient to creating a memorable event. But with a PPL license for events, you can ensure that you’re playing it legally.
This article explains everything you need to know about PPL licenses for events in India.
However, be warned that this is one of many event licenses you need. You can head to our comprehensive list of event licenses if you’d like to know more.
A. What is Phonographic Performance Ltd or PPL license?
PPL stands for Phonographic Performance Ltd. A PPL license for events allows individuals, entities, organizers, venues, and establishments to use sound recordings by various music companies.
This license ensures that makers and entertainers of the music are genuinely rewarded for their work.
As per Avadhoot Gupte, a renowned singer, and musician—”Music makers put a lot of hard work/investment and time into your favorite music and that is why music is not free”.
PPL also has an ongoing campaign #MusicIsNotFree. They collect all the PPL fees and distribute it amongst 400+ music record labels and copyright owners [source: PPL].
They work with music giants such as Saregama India, T-Series, and Sony Music to name a few. They represent the lion’s share in International, Hindi, and Regional music in the copyright world.
Founded in 1941, PPL has issued 1,50,000 licenses and has a customer base of 48,000.
B. Who needs a PPL license?
According to the Copyright Act 1957, all business entities or individuals need a PPL license if they want to organize a public performance/communication of sound recording. The sound recording, under this act, must be part of PPL’s music library by its partner labels and artists.
If an individual fails to procure this license before any such music usage, they will invite civil and criminal charges.
All hotels, pubs, bars, or commercial prays that play PPL’s sound recordings must have the license prior to it.
Getting the PPL Music license gives those individuals access to the majority of commercially available music.
C. What is a Public Performance License by PPL?
“Public Performance” refers to the playing of music (sound recordings) in any premises/establishments. Here sound recordings from the PPL music library are played to the public.
D. What are the two types of PPL licenses for events?
There are two types of PPL licenses for events: Annual background license and Event license.
Annual Background License is for the usage of PPL sound recording daily in the background of any establishment or premises.
Event License is for the usage of PPL sound recording during an event, show, or function.
E. What is PPL in the event?
A PPL license is a legal requirement for occasions and events where music from PPL’s music list is used.
Whether it’s unrecorded music, DJ sets, or pre-recorded tracks, any open exhibition of music requires this license.
This permit is significant for event planners as music is needed in all kinds of events, from weddings to social events.
In simple understanding, PPL will allow you to play music out in the open spaces. By procuring this license in time, you can avoid many legal troubles like copyright infringement.
F. Do event planners need a PPL license for events?
Any corporate individual or venue using recorded music belonging to PPL during the course of an event/show/function needs a PPL license for events.
Be it a corporate, social, award show, fashion show, or any other event, it will require a prior PPL.
PPL license for events is only valid for the duration of the event.
G. How to obtain a PPL license in event management?
The PPL license process has been simplified to a semi-online process. You can simply drop your query with event details via mail at [email protected].
Alternatively, you can call at +91 9321911018. They can also be contacted on WhatsApp through +91 9321911020.
Talking about the simplicity of the application process, Nitin Pandey, Business Head of Timezone India shares his experience. He says—”Procuring a PPL License is now very easy, we just called them and gave them details about our venue. They then came to examine our venue and generated the Proforma Invoice and gave the payment link and it’s done”.
Yes, it can be as simple as giving the PPL team a call and letting them take the application process from there.
If you’re confused about where to start securing this very important license, just call on +91 9321911018.
H. Is a PPL Licence a legal requirement?
Yes, to avoid lawsuits and legal consequences, you must secure a PPL License to play their music.
PPL can approach the Civil Court for Infringement under Section 51 and approach the Local Police under Section 63 of the Copyright Act. These acts protect their right to charge fees for the usage of copyrighted music by their partners.
I. What is the cost of a PPL music license in India?
This section will cover the cost of a PPL license for events only.
For events without tickets or sponsors (such as weddings), these are the pricing slabs:
| Average Attendance | License Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| 0-150 | 55,440 |
| 151-300 | 66,528 |
| 301-450 | 79,834 |
| 451-600 | 95,800 |
| 601-750 | 1,14,960 |
| 751-900 | 1,37,952 |
| 901-1050 | 1,65,543 |
Terms and conditions for PPL license for events without tickets or sponsors:
- For more than 1050 people attending events, INR 110 will be charged on and above the tariff for each person
- If you’re having celebrities at your event, INR 2 Lakh per celebrity will be charged above the license fee
- Properties or venues with heritage status or locational advantage will also have additional costs
- The fee may vary based on property classification, room rates, location, exclusivity, and patronage
- The total license fee shall be the fees calculated at base rates along with the additional fees as above or 50% of the total expense incurred for the said event, (as evidenced by audited financial documents) whichever is maximum.
For events WITH tickets or sponsors (such as concerts), these are the pricing slabs:
| Average Attendance | License Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| 0-150 | 72,186 |
| 151-300 | 90,234 |
| 301-450 | 1,12,792 |
| 451-600 | 1,40,990 |
| 601-750 | 1,76,239 |
| 751-900 | 2,20,297 |
| 901-1050 | 2,75,373 |
Terms and conditions for PPL license for events WITH tickets or sponsors:
- For more than 1050 people attending events, INR 220 will be charged on and above the tariff for each person
- If you’re having celebrities at your event, INR 2 Lakh per celebrity will be charged above the license fee
- Properties or venues with heritage status or locational advantage will also have additional costs
- The fee may vary based on property classification, room rates, location, exclusivity, and patronage
- The total license fee shall be the fees calculated at base rates along with the additional fees as above or 5% of the total expense incurred for the said event, (as evidenced by audited financial documents) whichever is maximum.
For fashion shows, sports events, and award shows, there are different pricing slabs. You can read the pricing structure for your specific event type here or on PPL Tariffs.
Remember that the tariffs mentioned in this article are true till 2024. For any further changes in the pricing policy, make sure you stay up to date with the PPL website.
This article aims to improve your general understanding of PPL licenses for events.
J. Background music and event music usage under PPL
Background music usage refers to playing music at an offline venue such as an office or restaurant. This background music is aimed at creating a pleasant atmosphere and experience without drawing too much attention. Subtle background music can be used only for ambiance.
On the other hand, event music usage is more active. It features music as the focal point, captivating the attention of people. This may include live performances of sound recordings, DJ sets, or playlists. As compared to background music usage, event music usage is more engaging and tailored to specific moments or performances.
Both background music and event music usage (of PPL songs) require separate and independent licenses. Their prices also vary.
You can read part A of PPL tariff categories for background music usage. To know more about the cost of event music usage, read part B.
K. What music can I play without a license?
You can always play royalty-free music at your event. Head to the song library by PPL to see which songs mandate this license. You don’t need a PPL license to play songs that are not on this list.
L. Did we answer all your questions?
PPL license for events can help you play a wide range of music legally.
We hope you found our article on securing a PPL license for events helpful.
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