What IPRS covers
IPRS — the Indian Performing Right Society — is the registered copyright society for musical compositions and the literary works associated with them. Where PPL and Novex cover the sound recording (the specific recorded version of a song), IPRS covers the underlying musical work — the melody, the harmony, and the lyrics. When a song is played, both layers are used, and both require a licence.
IPRS was founded in 1969 and is a registered copyright society under Section 33 of the Copyright Act. Its members include composers, lyricists, and music publishers. When IPRS collects royalties, the money is distributed to the writers and publishers who created the music — a separate income stream from what PPL or Novex collect for the labels.
Who needs an IPRS licence
Any public performance of music in a commercial setting requires an IPRS licence, with one major exception. IPRS explicitly requires licences from hotels, restaurants, clubs, gyms, corporate event organisers, festival organisers, radio stations, streaming platforms, and anyone else who plays or broadcasts copyrighted compositions publicly.
The exception: wedding ceremonies and their associated social festivities — sangeet, mehendi, reception, baraat — are exempt from IPRS under Section 52(1)(za) of the Copyright Act. The DPIIT confirmed this exemption in its July 2023 public notice. IPRS's own website states it does not collect royalties for music played during marriage functions. Read the wedding licence guide for the boundaries.
IPRS is separate from PPL and Novex
Holding a PPL or Novex licence does not cover IPRS. They are separate rights, separate bodies, and separate fees. IPRS's tariff is based on the venue type and floor area for annual licences, or on the nature of the event for per-event licences. Licence forms are available directly at iprs.org.
How to get an IPRS licence
Apply directly at iprs.org. Download the Live/DJ Performance form or the General Licensing Form depending on your use case. IPRS has a no-cash policy — all payments are digital. Contact IPRS at their offices in Mumbai, Delhi, or Chennai for large event quotations.
Current disputes
No active disputes on file involving IPRS. We track this continuously — the moment a court order or status change hits the record, it'll show up here.
Buy a licence
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