Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL India) has been granted registration as a copyright society under the Copyright Act, 1957 by the Government of India, giving the body formal recognition to collectively administer and license sound recording rights.
PPL India is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1941 and represents around 500 music labels, including T-Series, Sony Music, Universal Music, Times Music, Lahari Music, Aditya Music and Global Rhythms, among others.
The body licenses the public performance and communication of sound recordings across commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, events, offices, malls and radio broadcasters.
According to PPL, the registration creates a statutory framework for the collective administration and licensing of sound recording rights and may provide greater clarity for businesses using recorded music in India.
The company said that for several years, some commercial users of music had withheld licence fee payments, citing the absence of copyright society registration. It added that this had affected royalty flows to copyright owners represented by PPL and artists associated with those recordings.
Following the registration, PPL said businesses and establishments using copyrighted sound recordings without authorisation would be expected to obtain licences and pay the applicable fees.
Commenting on the development, GB Aayeer, CEO of PPL India, said, “The grant of Copyright Society registration is a significant milestone for PPL India and the music labels we represent. We thank the Government of India and DPIIT for their trust and recognition. We remain committed to transparent and efficient rights management, enhancing licensing processes, and ensuring fair rewards for rights holders and creators.”
Mandar Thakur, Chairman of PPL India, said, “The registration of PPL as a Copyright Society is an important milestone for the Indian music industry, strengthening the framework for collective administration of sound recording rights and provides music users with a transparent and efficient mechanism to obtain licences and comply with copyright law. My sincerest thanks to the PPL Board members that have stood steadfast in their support and to our music industry association IMI for its unwavering support to achieve this milestone.”
