Do I need a BMI licence to play music in my business?

If your business publicly performs BMI-represented musical works, you generally need permission from BMI or directly from the relevant copyright owners. This can apply to music played for staff or customers, live performances, radio, television and digital uses.

A BMI licence covers BMI's repertory only. It does not automatically cover songs represented by ASCAP, SESAC or Global Music Rights, and it does not by itself clear sound recording or synchronisation rights.

Describe every source and type of music use when using the official BMI licensing information.

You do not need a separate BMI 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 BMI'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 BMI 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 BMI licensing questions.