How do I get a copyright licence for use of music and sound recordings?

If you wish to use music and/or a sound recording that falls within the scope of the economic rights but not one of the exceptions to copyright, you may need one or more licences from one or more of the following collective licensing bodies:

• public performance, broadcasting and use in a cable programme of most music is licensed by the Performing Right Society (PRS);
• making mechanical copies (recording) music is licensed by the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society (MCPS). MCPS also licenses public performance and broadcasting of library music;
• public performance, broadcasting, use in a cable programme and making mechanical copies (dubbing) of sound recordings is licensed by Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL);
• public performance and broadcasting of music videos is licensed by Video Performance Limited (VPL);
• copying of religious music is licensed by Christian Copyright Licensing (Europe).

It is important to note that the use of a sound recording may require more than one licence, because there are several different rights associated with a sound recording. PRS represent the authors and music publishers who own the copyright in the lyrics and composition. PPL represent the record company and the performer who own the copyright in the sound recording and performance.

Where users or prospective users are unhappy about the terms and conditions offered by collective licensing bodies, they may be able to seek independent adjudication on the matter from the Copyright Tribunal. If you wish to use music and there is no collective licensing, you may be able to obtain a licence from the copyright owner. You may also need permission in respect of performers’ rights.