PPL India Becomes Copyright Society: What This Means for Music Royalties

The Government of India has officially granted Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL India) registration as a Copyright Society under the Copyright Act, 1957, marking a major development for the organization. PPL, a not-for-profit entity with an 85-year history dating back to 1941, acts on behalf of approximately 500 music labels. This roster includes prominent Indian and global record companies such as T-Series, Sony Music, Universal Music, Times Music, Lahari Music, Aditya Music, Global Rhythms, and numerous others.

Managing one of the most extensive sound recording repertoires globally, PPL provides licenses for public performance and communication across a wide range of commercial venues, including hotels, restaurants, retail stores, events, offices, malls, and radio broadcasters. Operating as a not-for-profit organization, PPL issues licenses based on its established tariffs. It then distributes the collected funds—after deducting administrative costs—to its member copyright owners and associated artists, adhering to relevant laws and distribution guidelines.

This registration establishes a clear statutory framework for the collective management and licensing of sound recording rights, offering much-needed certainty for businesses that utilize recorded music across India. Previously, many commercial entities had withheld payment of valid licensing fees, citing PPL’s lack of registration as a Copyright Society as their justification. Consequently, the copyright owners represented by PPL, along with the artists behind the music, were denied the royalties they were rightfully owed from the commercial exploitation of their work.

Now that this registration has been granted, all ambiguity surrounding PPL’s status has been cleared. PPL anticipates that businesses and establishments currently utilizing copyrighted sound recordings without proper authorization will now regularize their usage. By securing the necessary licenses and paying the appropriate fees, these entities will ensure that rightful royalties are successfully delivered to the copyright owners and artists.

Statements from Leadership

Mr. 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."

Mr. 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."