Changes regarding third sector licensing

Changes regarding third sector licensing

From 1st January 2011 not-for-profit organisations using recorded music will need a PPL licence, however, PPL is giving a grace period of one year for charities to allow them time to adjust to the new arrangements. PPL and PRS for Music are developing a pilot joint scheme for community buildings, which will be in place once the grace period ends.

The changes have come into effect following a government consultation which announced the removal of two music licensing exceptions in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 relating to organisations in the not-for-profit sector.  

The removal of these exceptions brings the UK in line with the rest of Europe and gives performers and record companies the same rights as songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK. 

For more information about PPL licensing the not-for-profit sector please go to www.ppluk.com or contact them on notforprofit@ppluk.com. 

Until then PRS for Music licence requirements remain unchanged and licensees currently holding PRS for Music licence do not need to do anything and their terms and conditions remain in place until further notice.