Performing Rights in a Music Sound Recording

Record companies and individuals who own recordings of musical works have the right to control the public broadcast of that particular recording. This includes broadcast of that recording in pubs and clubs as well as dance music venues, large shopping centres, television and radio broadcast etc etc.

In the UK it is Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) that administers these rights on behalf of its members. These members include all major record companies as well as many other smaller companies and individuals who own recordings of particular musical works.

PPL collects royalties on behalf of its members by issuing licenses to venues and broadcasters wishing to play the recording in a public place or broadcast the recording to a television or radio audience. You may have seen the PPL stickers in shop and pub windows. These licenses are generally inexpensive but large broadcasting organisations pay substantial amounts for the right to broadcast original recordings to their public audiences.

One interesting point is that musicians who have performed on a recording that is broadcast or played in a public place are entitled to a cut of any PPL royalty collected. This is an acknowledgement of the fact that broadcast of the recorded work is equivalent to a public performance of the work and any such public performance would normally require paid musicians to carry out the performance.

This is only the briefest outline of the issues involved

You can find PPL at their website

www.ppluk.com

1 Upper James Street
London W1F 9DE

Record Company Member Helpdesk
For record company queries contact: member.info@ppluk.com
T: 020 7534 1122
F: 020 7534 1383

Performer Services Helpdesk
For performer queries contact: team@ukperformerservices.com
T: 020 7534 1234
F: 020 7534 1383

Performer International Helpdesk
For international performer queries contact: team@ukperformerservices.com
T: 020 7534 1313
F: 020 7534 1383

Broadcasting
For queries relating to radio and television licences contact: broadcasting.info@ppluk.com
T: 020 7534 1204
F: 020 7534 1111

Disclaimer

Copysound Ltd makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information given above but can accept no responsibility for any loss, however incurred, due to actions taken by any person, company or organisation as a result of reading the information given above. The information is given as guidance only and in the event of taking any decision that may lead to legal or commercial consequences, the reader should first consult with the proper authorities and / or their qualified legal adviser to ensure that they are working within the law.