You can hold a PPL licence and still owe Novex. That's the first thing to internalise: the licence body that covers a recording depends on the label, not on the platform or the venue. Two tracks playing back-to-back can require two different licences from two different bodies.
What each body actually is
- PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) — Founded 1941. Controls public performance rights for 450+ member labels: T-Series, Sony Music, Universal Music India, Warner Music India and most major Indian labels. Saregama moved to Novex in April 2025 — see the catalogue change note. PPL's own registration as a copyright society has been pending since 2014. The Delhi HC's April 2025 order tried to route PPL through RMPL; the Supreme Court has stayed that order — see the legal status guide.
- Novex Communications — A private entity, not a registered society. Acts as an assignee/agent under Sections 18 and 30 of the Copyright Act. Bundles ISAMRA performer clearance into its licence. Covers Zee Music, Yash Raj Films, Tips Industries, Shemaroo, Red Ribbon, and others.
- RMPL (Recorded Music Performance Limited) — The only currently registered copyright society for sound recordings in India. Registration No. CS/03/SOUNDRECORDING/18, granted June 2021. PPL's own registration application has been pending since 2014. The Delhi HC's April 2025 ruling noted that PPL should route its licensing through RMPL; the Supreme Court has stayed that order while it hears the appeal.
How to know which one applies to a track
The track's label is what determines the body. If T-Series released it, you need PPL. If Yash Raj Films released it, you need Novex. Use Trakinfo's track search and the right body lights up automatically — that's the entire reason this site exists.
Why this matters for your event
One PPL licence doesn't cover a Novex track and vice versa. A typical mixed-language wedding playlist of 80 tracks will almost certainly need both licences. If you only buy one and play tracks under the other body, you're unlicensed for those tracks — and venues that get raided pay for that gap, not the DJ.
The dispute you should know about
The PPL/RMPL relationship is unsettled. The Delhi HC's April 2025 order tried to route PPL's licensing through RMPL; the SC stay holds that in suspension. Until the SC rules, paying PPL directly remains the safe path. Trakinfo flags any track affected by this dispute with an amber warning.