IPRS & MUSIC COPYRIGHT / 05 MIN READ · OCTOBER 9, 2026 · BY BEON

Why Is an IPRS Licence Required Even After Obtaining a Licence From PPL, Novex or RMPL?

Music licensing in India can be confusing because a single song may involve different copyright interests. Restaurants, hotels, clubs and event organisers may obtain a licence from a sound recording rights holder and wonder whether another licence is necessary.

Understanding the Different Copyright Rights in a Song

A commercially released song can involve several creative contributions and copyright interests:

• The sound recording, which is the recorded version of the song.
• The musical composition, created by the composer.
• The lyrics, created by the lyricist.
• Other rights that may apply to a particular recording or use.

These elements are related, but they are not necessarily owned or administered by the same person or organisation.

What Does IPRS Administer?

The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS) administers rights in musical works and associated literary works on behalf of its members, within the scope of its authorisation and repertoire.

These rights may be relevant when a song is played publicly in a restaurant, hotel, retail establishment or entertainment venue.

What Do PPL, Novex and RMPL Do?

Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), Novex Communications and The Recorded Music Performance Limited (RMPL) are associated with licensing sound recording rights within their respective catalogues and authority.

The rights and permissions available from each organisation depend on the recordings it represents and the scope of its licensing arrangements.

A business should examine the specific licence it receives rather than assume that every organisation covers the same songs or rights.

Why Might Two Licences Be Necessary?

Consider a restaurant that plays a commercially released song through its speakers.

The song contains a recorded performance and an underlying composition with lyrics. Playing it publicly may involve rights associated with both the recording and the underlying musical and literary works.

If one licence covers the relevant sound recording rights, it does not automatically follow that the separate rights in the composition and lyrics are covered.

Similarly, an IPRS licence should not be assumed to replace any sound recording permission that is independently required.

The correct approach is to identify the rights involved, determine who administers them and obtain the permissions required for the intended use.

Does an IPRS Licence Always Need to Be Obtained?

Not necessarily in every situation. The requirement depends on the relevant rights, repertoire, licence terms and applicable legal exceptions.

If a particular work or right is not administered by IPRS, its role may differ. A legal exception may also apply to certain uses.

The specific permissions needed should be confirmed against the facts of the use.

What Should Businesses Check Before Playing Music?

1. Identify the recordings and musical works they intend to use.
2. Determine which rights are covered by their existing sound recording licence.
3. Check whether the licence covers the venue, activity and period concerned.
4. Confirm whether the underlying musical and literary rights are separately covered.
5. Determine whether a legal exception applies.
6. Verify whether the relevant rights fall within the IPRS repertoire.

Does Paying One Music Licence Fee Mean All Copyright Obligations Are Settled?

No. The amount paid is less important than the actual rights granted under the licence.

A licence should clearly identify the relevant rights, permitted uses, repertoire and conditions. Businesses should request written clarification if they are unsure whether their existing agreement covers the underlying composition and lyrics.

A Quick Comparison

• Sound recording: the finished recorded track, linked to licences from bodies such as PPL, Novex and RMPL, depending on whose catalogue it is.
• Music (composition): the melody and arrangement written by the composer, linked to IPRS for works in its repertoire.
• Lyrics: the words written by the lyricist, linked to IPRS for works in its repertoire.

A Real-Life Example

A café owner takes a licence for sound recordings and plays a playlist of popular songs. The owner thinks every copyright question is now settled. In reality, the licence may only cover the recordings. The composers and lyricists who wrote those songs are separate rights holders, and their rights may need separate permission.

The lesson is simple: ask what each licence covers, in writing.

How to Avoid Gaps in Your Licensing

• Ask each organisation which rights its licence covers and which it does not.
• Keep a list of your licences with dates and covered locations.
• Review them before you add new activities such as DJs or live music.
• Do not assume that paying more means more rights. Read the actual terms.

Who Gets Paid From Each Licence?

Different licences pay different people. Fees for sound recording licences generally go to the owners of the recordings, such as labels and producers. Fees under an IPRS licence go towards royalties for the writers and publishers of the song. Paying for both helps everyone involved in making the music.

If You Are an Artist or a Label

If you release music, make sure your rights are registered where they should be. Songwriters can register their works with IPRS, and owners of recordings deal with the relevant recording bodies. Our IPRS guide for artists explains how to register your songs step by step.

Conclusion

A licence from PPL, Novex or RMPL may address sound recording rights, while an IPRS licence may address separate rights in the underlying musical works and associated lyrics.

Where both sets of rights are relevant and no exception applies, separate permissions may be necessary. Businesses should review their agreements and obtain clarification from the relevant rights administrators before using music publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a PPL licence automatically cover IPRS rights?

Not automatically. The scope of the PPL licence and the rights involved must be checked.

Why are separate licences sometimes required?

Because a song may involve different copyright interests in the sound recording, composition and lyrics.

Does IPRS replace a sound recording licence?

No. The permissions needed depend on the rights involved and the licences already obtained.

How can I verify my licensing requirements?

Consult the current official IPRS guidance and the terms of your existing agreements.

Is PPL the same as IPRS?

No. PPL is linked to sound recording rights, while IPRS administers rights in musical works and associated lyrics within its repertoire.

Who gets paid when a venue plays my song?

It depends on the rights involved. Owners of the recording and the writers of the song may be paid through different organisations.

Read next.

• What Is IPRS? Meaning, Music Licensing, Copyright Rules and Royalties in India
• What Does IPRS Mean by the Term IPRS License? A Complete Guide for Businesses
• How to Obtain an IPRS Licence in India: Step-by-Step Guide

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Disclaimer. The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. BeON shall not be held responsible for any loss, damage, legal claim, or action taken based on the information provided herein. Copyright laws, licensing requirements, and tariff rates may change from time to time. Readers are advised to verify all information on the official IPRS website and other relevant official sources before taking any action. Where necessary, readers should consult a qualified legal professional to understand their specific circumstances. BeON does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or current applicability of the information presented in this article.