Copyright societies are organisations registered under Section 33 of the Copyright Act 1957 to collectively administer the rights of copyright holders. Rather than every musician or lyricist individually negotiating licences with every business that wants to use their music, copyright societies act as intermediaries — collecting licence fees on behalf of rights holders and distributing royalties to them.
In India, three entities dominate music licensing for public performance and broadcast:
- IPRS (Indian Performing Right Society) — Administers performing rights in musical compositions and lyrics. Represents composers and lyricists.
- PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) — Administers public performance rights in sound recordings (master recordings). Represents music labels and recording producers.
- Novex Communications — A newer entrant holding direct assignments from certain labels for sound recording rights in some territories, operating alongside PPL.
Why Two Licences Are Usually Required
Music has two separate layers of copyright protection in India, which is why most businesses need licences from more than one society:
| Layer | What It Covers | Who Administers |
|---|---|---|
| Underlying musical composition | The melody, harmony and lyrics as written/composed | IPRS |
| Sound recording (master) | The specific recorded version — the actual audio file or track | PPL or Novex |
So if a hotel plays Bollywood music from a playlist, it needs both an IPRS licence (for the underlying songs) and a PPL or Novex licence (for the specific recordings used). Using one without the other is infringement of the other right.
⚠ Note: In Super Cassettes Industries v PPL (Delhi HC, 2025), the court clarified that IPRS and PPL rights are independent. A licence from one society does not cover the other's rights. Both must be independently obtained for public performance of music.
Who Needs a Music Licence?
Any business that plays music in a public or semi-public space needs licences from IPRS and PPL/Novex. This includes:
- Hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes
- Shopping malls and retail stores
- Gyms, fitness centres and yoga studios
- Airlines, trains and buses (in-flight/in-transit entertainment)
- Corporate offices playing background music in reception or common areas
- Event organisers for concerts, weddings and private parties with public elements
- Radio and TV broadcasters
- Online streaming and digital platforms
How to Obtain Music Licences
For an IPRS Licence: Visit the IPRS website or nearest regional office. Fill the licence application specifying business type, floor area and type of music use. IPRS will calculate the applicable fee based on its tariff schedule. Pay the fee and receive your licence certificate. Licences are typically annual and must be renewed.
For a PPL/Novex Licence: Contact PPL India (phonographic.org) or Novex Communications depending on the labels whose music you use. Submit your business details and nature of use. Receive a licence fee quote based on the tariff for your category. Pay and receive the licence.
Licence Fee Structure
Licence fees vary based on business category, floor area, seating capacity and type of use. As a rough guide for hotels and restaurants, IPRS fees are calculated per seating capacity or per square foot of the music-playing area. PPL fees are based on similar metrics with different tariff schedules per category. Fees are revised periodically — always check the current tariff schedule directly with each society.
Consequences of Playing Music Without a Licence
Playing copyrighted music in a public space without a licence is copyright infringement under the Copyright Act 1957. Consequences include:
- Civil action — IPRS and PPL regularly inspect businesses and file civil suits for damages and injunctions.
- Criminal prosecution — Section 63 of the Copyright Act permits criminal prosecution with imprisonment up to 3 years and fines of ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh.
- Reputational damage — Public enforcement actions can harm business reputation, especially in the hospitality sector.
For assistance obtaining IPRS/PPL licences or responding to copyright notices, contact our copyright team →
Need Help With Music Licences for Your Business?
Adv. Nikhil Soni advises businesses on copyright society licences, IPRS/PPL compliance, and defends against copyright infringement notices from music societies.