What is a Music License?

In today 's world, music has become an entertaining part of our daily lives. However, not every business and entity does have permission to play music in public places without a music license. The Copyright Act, of 1957 has made it mandatory for all restaurants, cafes, pubs, and hotels to obtain music license for playing music on their premises. The music license in India is issued by two organizations in India: PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) and IPRS (The Indian Performing Right Society). A music license is a legal arrangement that permits individuals or businesses to use other music for their benefit. It is an essential and secure process that allows you to use the original music of an artist with their permission.

What are the Prerequisites for Music License? 

If you want to obtain a Music license for your restaurants/hotel then you need to careful about these essential points: 

• Music's sound range.
• Where you plan to play and listen to music, like the dining area, restrooms, bars, kitchens, etc.
• Seating capacity in restaurants.
• How far the music can be heard (in square meters).
• Which music device will be used in your restaurants like a radio, CDs, TV, etc.

What are the Types of Music Licenses?

There are the following types of music licenses in India:

• Master License: The master license provides businesses the right to use a pre-recorded version of a song. However, it does not allow for the re-recording of the music. The original artist of the music holds this license, that’s why it is called a master license.
• Sync License: This license is used in many media productions, including television advertisements, film projects, and advertising companies. It includes the synchronization of music with visual media, ensuring that the music fits with the visual effectively. 
• Public Performance License: Public performance licenses are essential for venues like hotels and cafes, where live artists perform to entertain the public. These licenses are essentially required for live music concerts to secure your business from any penalty. 
• Mechanical License: A mechanical license provides permission in the form of a legal agreement to use, share, or re-create other original music. Whether you want to add some lyrics or remixes of other original music, it is necessary to make this mechanical license for security purposes.

What is Process for Music License?

If you want to get a music license, follow these easy steps:

Go to the Official Website: Visit the official website of the music license organization. There are two music license organizations in India: PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) for recorded music and IPRS (The Indian Performing Right Societies) for live performances like concerts.

Share Personal Information: Create an online account on their website and provide your name, address, contact info, email, and GST details. 

Select License type: You need to choose which type of music license fits your business. 

Check the Terms and Conditions: Before submitting your application, carefully read and review the terms and conditions, often found in the 'Tariff' section. 

Provide Specifics: If you're applying for a license for a 'Music Works and Accompanying Literary Works’ within the premises, submit all the following required details and documents: 

• Name
• Registered Address
• Contact Information and Email
• Details of how you'll use the music license
• Information about live performances
• GST, PAN, and TAN Numbers
• Registration fees 

Verify Online: After applying, you'll get an email and SMS with a one-time password (OTP) for verification of your registration.

Pay the Fees: Once your application gets verified, you need to pay the required government fees using the available online payment methods. After that, You'll receive an online receipt through SMS or email. Music license fees (royalty rates) are Rs.10 thousand per annum for Metro/Major cities and Rs. 5 thousand per annum for non-Metro cities. For the public performance of music license the minimum royalty fee is Rs. 2500 per 5k sq. ft.

Get Your Confirmation: As soon as you've completed your music license process licensing authorities will send you an acknowledgement letter to confirm your registration.

What are the Benefits of Music License?

• Compliance with Law: Getting a music license for a restaurant is important as it ensures the establishment's compliance. If a restaurant has not secured a music license then it may result in penalties imposed by the government or local authorities. 
• Public Performance: Getting an IPRS (The Indian Performing Right Societies) license for restaurants and pubs allows for public performances. This license can significantly boost your business by drawing a crowd to your establishments and providing an opportunity for enjoyable public performances.
• Increased Popularity: Obtaining a music license automatically enhances the reputation of your establishments. It attracts the interest of the people and excites them to attend live performances and concerts by various artists.
• Copyright Protection to Original Artist: All original work will be protected as per the Copyright Act law, 1957. The music license makes sure that the original music can't be copied or shared without permission.

What are the Documents required to get a Music License?

• Share your name and address.
• Give detailed Information about your business.
• A clear list of the types of music you plan to play or use.
• If you have an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) Registration, provide the certificate of incorporation. For a company, include the certificate of incorporation, MOA (Memorandum of Association), and AOA (Articles of Association).
• Your PAN Card and Aadhar Card.
• Your GST registration certificate.
• Recent bill receipt.

How Can ApkaTax Assist You?

What is the Music Licensing Fees In India?

Are you looking for Music Licensing Fees In India then here the details for you. The Music Licensing cost in india start from ₹9000 to ₹20000 along with Government Fee ₹ Nil and Professional Fee ₹ Nil.

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