Ensuring compliance with music licensing requirements

In large retail environments, many operators and businesses do not realise that playing music in a commercial space requires a specific licence. Just as some businesses need a licence to serve alcohol, permission is also required to play music protected by copyright in public settings. Regardless of the size of your business, compliance with these licensing obligations is essential.

Why you need a music licence

In Australia, the Copyright Act (1968) protects the rights of music creators. Playing music in a commercial space without proper authorisation may infringe on these rights, potentially leading to legal consequences. A licence, such as one provided by OneMusic, grants the permission needed to play music typically heard on radio, TV and music-streaming services, music bought online and in music stores. A licence covers the majority of commercially released music, worldwide.

Where do music licence fees from your business go?

Did you know that music played in a business setting is legally different to music at home? A commercial music licence fee supports the copyright framework that protects all creative industries, including music. Licence fees are distributed to music creators represented by APRA AMCOS and PPCA, providing direct support to the artists whose music enhances the retail experience.

Companies like OneMusic ensure accuracy in royalty distribution by tracking music played in businesses through a comprehensive database. A new technology, the Audoo Audio Meter, facilitates this process. Similar to the Shazam app, this device fingerprints each song played in a space without recording conversations, allowing royalties to be distributed more accurately. OneMusic offers this device free of charge to licensed businesses, ensuring creators are properly compensated.

Dispelling common misconceptions

A frequent misunderstanding is that a music streaming service subscription is sufficient for public playback. The streaming services most of us use every day is for our personal use. So, services like Spotify are intended for personal use only, and their terms reflect this. Also, background music suppliers simply provide the music, but not the licence to play to the public. A separate commercial licence is required for any public playback in business settings.

For more information on music licensing, visit OneMusic.