>> PPI :: FAQ <<



Frequently Asked Questions

But I own the recordings?

We are often asked "Why do I have to pay PPI a fee to play recordings in my shop/pub/restaurant/office etc, when I already own them?"

Ownership of a recording does not confer a right to play the recording in public. The purchase or acquisition of a sound recording does not give its owner a right to cause that record to be heard in public or broadcast without a licence. Notices to this effect appear on record labels and packaging.

What does PPI cover?

PPI controls the public performance, broadcasting, and other rights in hundreds of thousands of different recordings on thousands of different labels. These include not only Irish recordings but also most recordings available worldwide. The list of recordings in PPI's repertoire is constantly increasing as new titles are released. A licence from PPI gives you the right to play virtually any sounds recording from anywhere in the world.

Who must pay?

Owners of premises or promoters of events where sound recordings are publicly performed such as discos, nightclubs, disco bars, pubs, hotels, restaurants, cafes, clubs, dance & aerobic classes, greyhound tracks, football grounds, shops, hairdressers, banks, amusement arcades, cinemas, factories, fashion shows, offices, music on hold, doctors and dentists waiting rooms, bingo halls, museums, galleries, swimming pools, coaches, etc.

What is a "public performance"?

A "Public Performance" occurs whenever recordings are played to anyone outside the family or domestic circle.

Are there any exemptions?

Some organizations, such as educational bodies may under certain circumstances be exempt from payments to PPI. If you think you may qualify for an exemption, please contact PPI or your legal advisers.

But I already pay IMRO. Do I have to pay PPI aswell?

Excluding live performances, in most cases, yes.

IMRO, the Irish Music Rights Organisation, is an entirely separate organisation representing composers and music publishers. Whenever copyright musical works are publicly performed whether by way of recordings or live performance, an IMRO licence is required.

For most public performances of recorded music (including radio and TV), both a PPI and IMRO licence is required.

You can contact IMRO on 01 - 661 48 44

How much is payable and how often?

Payment is usually made once a year but may be for shorter periods by agreement, or once off for a particular event.

The cost is related to the nature and extent of the use involved and is assessed in accordance with our standard tariffs. Here are a few examples of charges in 2007:

Shop, 47 to 93 sq. mtrs.- €150.06 + VAT pa
Background Music in Office, per 10 employees - €92.32 + VAT pa
Hair Salon, 47 to 93 sq.mtrs. - €109.81 + VAT pa
Music on hold, 5 lines - €44.83 + VAT pa

More information on tariffs can be found on our tariff page.

What if I do nothing?

Playing recorded music (including radio or TV) in public without a PPI licence or without complying with the dispute procedures detailed above is a breach of copyright, which could result in legal action. PPI licensing staff regularly check premises for music use. So, if you use music on your premises, why not help us to help you stay on the right side of the law, by filling out the Questionnaire. We will then contact you to make all the licensing agreements.

More information on the legal aspect can be found on our legal page.

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