IPRS & MUSIC COPYRIGHT / 06 MIN READ · OCTOBER 9, 2026 · BY BEON

What Is IPRS? Meaning, Music Licensing, Copyright Rules and Royalties in India

The Indian music industry depends on the creativity of lyricists, composers, publishers and other professionals who contribute to musical works. Copyright law helps protect these creative contributions and enables rights holders to receive compensation when their works are used publicly. One of the important organisations involved in this process is IPRS.

If you are a business owner, event organiser, restaurant owner or content creator, understanding what IPRS is can help you make informed decisions about music licensing and copyright compliance in India.

What Is IPRS?

IPRS stands for the Indian Performing Right Society Limited. It is a registered copyright society that administers rights in musical works and literary works associated with musical works on behalf of its members, within the scope of its authorisation.

IPRS represents eligible authors, composers and music publishers. Its role includes licensing the use of the repertoire it administers, collecting applicable royalties and distributing royalties to entitled rights holders according to its rules.

For example, when a restaurant plays copyrighted music for its customers, the use may involve the recorded song and the underlying musical composition and lyrics. IPRS licensing may be relevant to those underlying works, depending on the repertoire and circumstances.

What Does IPRS Do?

1. Administers Music Copyrights

IPRS administers specified rights in musical compositions and associated lyrics within its authorised repertoire. These rights may include public performance and communication to the public, subject to the applicable licence and legal framework.

2. Issues Music Licences

Businesses and organisations that use music publicly may need an IPRS licence. Examples include restaurants, hotels, shopping centres, entertainment venues, broadcasters and event organisers.

The exact licence depends on the type of use, venue, repertoire and applicable conditions.

3. Collects and Distributes Royalties

When music is used under an applicable licence, IPRS may collect royalties and distribute the amounts due to eligible authors, composers and publishers according to its distribution rules.

What Is an IPRS Licence?

An IPRS licence is written permission to use musical and associated literary works within the scope of the licence.

Depending on the intended use, it may cover public performance, communication to the public, broadcasting or other specified uses of works within the IPRS repertoire.

Obtaining a licence does not automatically authorise every possible use of a song. The terms and rights involved must be checked carefully.

Who Needs an IPRS Licence?

An IPRS licence may be relevant to:

Restaurants, cafés and bars
Hotels, resorts and banquet venues
Shopping malls and retail establishments
Clubs and entertainment venues
Concert and DJ event organisers
Radio and television broadcasters
Certain online streaming and digital platforms

Whether a licence is required depends on the activity, relevant rights and any applicable legal exception.

Why Is IPRS Licensing Different From Sound Recording Licensing?

A commercially released song can contain different copyright elements, including the sound recording, musical composition and lyrics.

A licence from a sound recording rights holder does not necessarily cover the separate rights in the underlying musical and literary works. Businesses should verify which rights are covered by each licence rather than assuming one permission covers everything.

How Can You Obtain an IPRS Licence?

Visit the official IPRS website and select the licensing option that matches your intended use. Provide accurate information about your venue, event or business category, review the applicable tariff and licence conditions, and follow the official application process.

Official website: https://iprs.org/

How IPRS Works: A Simple Example

Imagine a lyricist and a composer create a song and register it with IPRS. The song is released and starts getting played on a radio station, in a restaurant chain and at a live concert. Each of these users needs permission to use the music and lyrics in public.

IPRS gives that permission through licences and collects the licence fees. The money is then shared with the members who hold the rights in that song, based on IPRS distribution rules. Without this system, a songwriter would have to track down every venue and broadcaster one by one.

Who Are IPRS Members?

IPRS works on behalf of the people who create and publish the words and music of a song. Its members include:

Lyricists who write the words
Composers who create the melody and music
Music publishers who manage rights in compositions

If you are a creator and want to know how to join and register your songs, read our simple IPRS guide for artists.

IPRS, PPL and Other Music Rights Bodies

One song can involve several rights holders, and different organisations look after different rights:

IPRS looks after rights in the music (composition) and lyrics.
PPL, Novex and RMPL are linked to licensing of sound recordings.
Separate societies look after the rights of singers and performers.

This is why a business may need to check more than one licence. We explain this in detail in our guide on why an IPRS licence may be needed even after a PPL, Novex or RMPL licence.

Common Myths About IPRS

Myth: IPRS is a government department. It is a registered copyright society, not a government body.
Myth: Buying a song lets me play it in my shop. Buying a copy is not the same as getting public performance rights.
Myth: Only big venues need to think about this. What matters is how music is used, not how large the business is.
Myth: One licence covers every kind of music use. Each licence covers specific uses, so always read the terms.

Why IPRS Matters for Music Creators

For a songwriter, IPRS is the link between a song being played and the writer being paid. Every time licensed users pay for public use of music, part of that money can flow back to the people who wrote it. That is why respecting licensing is not just about rules. It is about paying the creators behind the music you enjoy.

Conclusion

IPRS plays an important role in administering music rights and supporting the creators behind musical works in India. Understanding what IPRS means, which rights it administers and when a licence may be required can help businesses use music responsibly.

Before playing music commercially or publicly, review applicable legal exceptions, existing licences and the current requirements published by IPRS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of IPRS?

IPRS stands for the Indian Performing Right Society Limited.

Is IPRS a government department?

No. IPRS is a registered copyright society, not a government department.

Why is an IPRS licence required?

A licence may be required to use copyrighted musical and associated literary works publicly when those rights are administered by IPRS and no applicable exception applies.

Where can I apply for an IPRS licence?

Visit https://iprs.org/ to find the relevant licensing information.

Is IPRS the same as PPL?

No. IPRS deals with the rights in the music and lyrics, while PPL is linked to the licensing of sound recordings. A business may need to check both.

Who receives the money IPRS collects?

IPRS distributes royalties to its members, such as lyricists, composers and publishers, according to its distribution rules.

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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.