What is PRS for Music?
PRS for Music is the organisation that licenses and administers rights in musical works for songwriters, composers and music publishers. A musical work includes the composition and lyrics. Those rights are separate from the rights in the sound recording made by a performer or record company.
Why businesses encounter PRS for Music
A business can use a musical work when it plays music for customers, visitors or staff. The relevant use can include public performance, broadcast, communication to the public and some online uses, depending on the licence and the territory.
For ordinary UK business playback, PRS licensing is commonly handled through TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS. The business still needs to match the licence to the actual music source, premises and use. A consumer subscription or a music player does not automatically clear every right.
PRS for Music and PPL are different rights
| Organisation or right | Main subject |
| PRS for Music | Musical works, including compositions and lyrics. |
| PPL | Sound recordings and related rights of performers and recording rightsholders. |
| A business music provider | The catalogue, playback service and rights stated in its own terms. |
Playing a commercial recording can involve both the musical work and the sound recording. Read why a business may need PRS for Music and PPL for the comparison.
If you only use MelloJam
According to MelloJam's current plan terms, a business that plays only MelloJam music through the MelloJam player does not need a separate PRS for Music licence for that MelloJam playback itself. The plan covers MelloJam's original catalogue and the commercial playback rights MelloJam controls under those terms.
The answer can change when the business uses radio, television, Spotify, other recordings, live music, DJs, events, copying or online use. A non-waivable government, statutory or collecting-society charge can still apply if applicable local law imposes it directly on the venue.
Read the PRS for Music website and the official PRS for Music licensing guidance for current information. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Back to all PRS for Music licensing questions.