What rights does PRS for Music license?
PRS for Music licenses rights in musical works, including the composition and lyrics. Depending on the licence, territory and use, those rights can include public performance, broadcast, communication to the public and certain online uses.
Rights in the musical work
| Use or right | What it means for a business |
| Public performance | Playing or performing a musical work for people outside a private household, subject to the applicable licence. |
| Broadcast or communication to the public | Making music available through a broadcast or other public communication, subject to the relevant terms. |
| Certain online uses | Using musical works online where the applicable licence covers that use. |
| Copying or reproduction | Making a copy of music is a separate question and is not automatically cleared by a public performance licence. |
| Synchronisation | Adding music to video or another production can need permission from the relevant rightsholders. |
PRS for Music does not automatically clear the sound recording. That can involve PPL, a record label, a performer or another rightsholder. It also does not override the terms of a consumer streaming service.
The official PRS for Music licensing guidance explains the public performance concept and business use. For a common UK premises question, see what a PPL PRS licence covers.
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.
This is limited to the MelloJam playback described in the plan. Radio, television, Spotify, other recordings, live music, DJs, events, copying and online use can involve different rights. A non-waivable government, statutory or collecting-society charge can still apply if applicable local law imposes it directly on the venue.
Check the exact use
Before using music in a business, identify whether the use is public playback, a copy, a video, an advert, an online communication or a combination. Then check the current official licence and the terms of the music provider. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Back to all PRS for Music licensing questions.