Most people involved in the outdoor events industry seem to find the legal complexities of music copyright licensing confusing. The same basic questions always arise, what is copyright? why do I need two licences? and do I really need to bother about it?
Copyright was introduced some 300 years ago. Originally it literally meant the right to copy and was given to authors of books and articles. Today the law protects a wide range of material such as literary, dramatic, artistic and musical works, broadcasts and cable programs, films and sound recordings.
UK law gives the copyright owner an exclusive right which allows them to exploit their work commercially & to prevent others from infringing those rights. If you are playing music in public at an outdoor event, you are legally required to hold a licence from the Performing Right Society (PRS) and in a number of circumstances also from Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL).
PRS license the use of musical works and distribute fees to composers and music publishers. PPL license the use of the sound recordings (cds & tapes etc) and distribute fees to record companies and artistes.
Whether you are using a background music system, or the event includes a disco or live act, you will require the requisite music copyright licences. There are over 60 different PRS & PPL tariffs covering a wide variety of activities and events and it is essential that you provide accurate information to both collecting societies in order to ensure you are licensed under the correct tariffs. However, ignore the licensing organisations altogether and you could risk costly surcharges or even litigation.
You really do need to bother about it.
For further details on PRS & PPL licensing you can visit www.davidnewham.co.uk or contact me direct on 020 8366 3311
David Newham
David Newham Associates
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