What rights does APRA AMCOS collect from businesses?

APRA AMCOS collects or administers rights in the musical work itself, such as the composition and lyrics. For business use, that can cover public performance, communication to the public and some reproduction or copying.

Examples include music played in a retail store, restaurant, gym or workplace, music in a live performance, music broadcast on radio or television, and some online or copied uses. The exact permission depends on the licence and the way the music is used.

These rights are separate from sound recording rights, which are administered by PPCA in the OneMusic Australia system. See the official APRA AMCOS distribution overview for the rights and uses it administers.

You do not need a separate APRA AMCOS Australia licence if you only use MelloJam

If your business plays only MelloJam music through the MelloJam player, you are not using music from the repertoire covered by APRA AMCOS's licensing route. MelloJam's original catalogue and the commercial playback rights it controls are included in your MelloJam plan, so you do not need a separate licence from APRA AMCOS for the MelloJam playback itself.

A separate non-waivable venue charge can still apply where local law imposes one. Radio, television, Spotify, other recordings, live music, DJs, events, copying and online use are outside the MelloJam plan.

Back to all APRA AMCOS Australia licensing questions.