PPL — PPL
PPL (PPL) is a neighbouring rights society in united kingdom. Businesses playing music publicly must hold a licence from PPL. Track Studios' AI catalog is not registered with PPL — venues using Track Studios are not invoiced.
Overview
PPL (PPL) is a neighbouring rights society that collects fees for the public performance of sound recordings on behalf of performers and record producers. Founded in 1934, it operates in united kingdom and manages licensing for businesses that play music publicly.
Combined Licence: TheMusicLicence
PPL and PRS offer the TheMusicLicence as a single combined licence. Apply for TheMusicLicence.
How PPL Fees Are Calculated
PPL uses tariff codes to calculate fees by venue type. Examples: Restaurant (TheMusicLicence (included)): approximately GBP 0–0/year. Fees are typically calculated on the basis of seats.
| Venue Type | Tariff Code | Basis | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | TheMusicLicence (included) | seats | GBP 0–0/year |
How to Avoid PPL Fees
Businesses can avoid PPL fees by using music that is not registered with PPL. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with PPL or PRS For Music — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is PPL (PPL)?
- PPL (PPL) is a neighbouring rights society based in united kingdom. Founded in 1934, it collects fees from businesses that play sound recordings publicly and distributes them to rights holders.
- Does my business need an PPL licence?
- If your business plays commercially released music in a public-facing space — restaurant, shop, gym, hotel lobby, etc. — you are legally required to hold an PPL licence (and a separate licence from PRS For Music). Using Track Studios' included AI catalog exempts you from PPL licensing for that music.
- How does PPL calculate its fees?
- PPL calculates fees based on factors including venue size, number of seats, or annual turnover depending on the venue type. Contact PPL directly for a quote.
- Can I avoid PPL fees legally?
- Businesses can avoid PPL fees by using music that is not registered with PPL. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with PPL or PRS For Music — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.
- What happens if my business plays music without an PPL licence?
- PPL can issue a civil claim for back-fees covering the period of unlicensed use, plus additional damages. PPL employs field inspectors who visit businesses unannounced to verify compliance.
About Track Studios
Next steps after researching PPL
Track Studios is a browser-based background music platform for businesses. It includes an owned royalty-free AI catalog, scheduling, announcements, Sonos-friendly stream workflows, multi-location controls and subscription documentation for active locations.