IPRS & MUSIC COPYRIGHT / 06 MIN READ · OCTOBER 9, 2026 · BY BEON

Who Is Required to Obtain an IPRS Licence in India? Complete Guide

Music is frequently used in restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, concerts, clubs, corporate events and other public settings. Although playing a song may appear routine, using copyrighted music can involve legal obligations.

Understanding who is required to obtain an IPRS licence helps businesses and event organisers identify when permission may be needed.

Who Is Required to Obtain an IPRS Licence?

An individual or organisation using copyrighted musical works and associated literary works administered by IPRS may need an appropriate licence when the use falls within the rights controlled by IPRS and no legal exception applies.

The requirement depends on the activity, location, type of music use and relevant licensing arrangements.

IPRS licensing responsibilities should be clarified between the proprietor of the premises and the promoter or organiser of an event.

1. Restaurants, Cafés and Bars

Restaurants and cafés often play background music for customers. Bars may also play recorded music, host DJs or arrange live performances.

Where copyrighted music is communicated to the public and the relevant rights are administered by IPRS, an appropriate licence may be required.

Business owners should verify the current tariff and whether separate permissions are necessary for recorded music, live performances or other activities.

2. Hotels, Resorts and Banquet Halls

Hotels may use music in reception areas, restaurants, lounges and entertainment facilities. Banquet halls may host corporate functions, parties and other events.

The venue owner and event organiser should clarify who is obtaining the necessary licences. A venue contract should not be treated as proof of copyright permission unless it expressly addresses the required rights.

Qualifying marriage ceremonies and associated social festivities should also be assessed under the applicable legal exception.

3. Event Organisers and Concert Promoters

Concerts, music festivals, DJ nights and public entertainment events can involve live performances or recorded music.

Organisers should identify the works and rights involved, determine whether IPRS administers the relevant rights and obtain necessary permissions before the event.

An artist's agreement to perform does not automatically establish that every copyright permission has been obtained.

4. Retail Stores and Shopping Malls

Retail businesses may play music through speakers, televisions or background music systems. Shopping malls may organise entertainment in common areas.

Whether a licence is required depends on the use, the rights involved and the applicable legal framework.

5. Broadcasters and Digital Platforms

Radio stations, television broadcasters and certain online platforms use musical works as part of their services. These activities may require licensing arrangements and royalty payments for the rights involved.

The relevant agreements, legal provisions and rights administered by IPRS determine the applicable obligations.

Does Every Person Playing Music Need an IPRS Licence?

No. Private listening in a domestic setting differs from public performance or communication to customers and audiences.

Copyright law also provides exceptions for certain uses. Indian copyright law includes an exception for music used at genuine marriage ceremonies and the social festivities linked to them. Whether an event qualifies depends on its facts.

The circumstances must be assessed carefully rather than assuming all events are exempt or all public uses require the same licence.

Does Buying Music Remove the Licensing Requirement?

No. Buying a song, CD or digital download does not automatically grant permission to perform the underlying work publicly.

A copy of a work and the copyright in that work are separate matters. A consumer music-streaming subscription may also have terms that do not authorise commercial or public use.

How Can Businesses Check Their Obligations?

1. Identify where and how the music will be used.
2. Determine whether the use is public, commercial, private or covered by a legal exception.
3. Identify the sound recording and underlying musical and literary rights involved.
4. Review existing licences and their permitted uses.
5. Consult the current IPRS tariff and obtain the appropriate licence where required.
6. Retain relevant documents and payment records.

Quick Checklist: Should You Check With IPRS?

Ask yourself these questions about your business or event:

• Do you play music for customers, guests or an audience?
• Is the music recorded, live or played by a DJ?
• Is the space open to the public or to paying guests?
• Do you charge entry or sell tickets?
• Is music part of what makes your business or event attractive?

If you answered yes to any of these, check the IPRS licensing categories on the official website before you start.

Venue or Organiser: Who Is Responsible?

Many disputes start because everyone assumes someone else has taken the licence. Suppose a hotel hosts a DJ night run by an outside promoter. The hotel may think the promoter has arranged permissions, while the promoter may think the hotel already holds a licence.

Before the event, agree in writing who will apply for the licence, who will pay for it and who will keep the documents. Include this in the venue or event contract.

Salons, Spas, Clinics and Co-working Spaces

Music is not only played in restaurants and clubs. Salons, spas, clinic waiting areas, co-working spaces and offices often play music for visitors or staff. Do not assume that a small space is exempt. Look at the IPRS categories and check whether your type of premises is listed.

Online Events and Content

Music in live-streamed events or commercial videos can raise separate permission questions, and platform rules can differ from public performance licences. If your business creates content with popular songs, check both the platform terms and the official IPRS guidance.

Keep Your Records Safe

Whatever you decide, keep your licence, payment receipts and any written confirmation from IPRS or the other rights holders. These papers are your proof that you took the right steps. To estimate costs, see our guide on how IPRS licence fees and tariffs are fixed.

Conclusion

The responsibility to obtain an IPRS licence commonly falls on the responsible proprietor, promoter or organiser when copyrighted works administered by IPRS are used publicly without an applicable exception.

The correct answer depends on the circumstances. Businesses should confirm the precise rights involved, check existing agreements and consult official IPRS guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do restaurants need an IPRS licence?

They may need one when playing copyrighted works administered by IPRS publicly, subject to applicable law and licence terms.

Does a DJ need an IPRS licence?

The licensing responsibility should be assessed for the event, venue and rights involved.

Does an office need an IPRS licence?

It depends on how music is used and whether the activity falls within a relevant licensing category.

Can one licence cover an entire event?

It may cover specified uses, but the applicant must confirm that the licence includes the intended activities and repertoire.

Who is responsible for the licence, the venue or the organiser?

It depends on the arrangement. The safest approach is to agree in writing before the event who will apply for and pay for the licence.

Do small businesses need to check IPRS licensing?

Size alone does not decide it. What matters is how music is used. If you play music for customers or an audience, check the relevant category.

Read next.

• What Does IPRS Mean by the Term IPRS License? A Complete Guide for Businesses
• Does IPRS Issue Licences or Collect Royalties for Marriages in India?
• How to Obtain an IPRS Licence in India: Step-by-Step Guide

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Disclaimer. The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. BeON shall not be held responsible for any loss, damage, legal claim, or action taken based on the information provided herein. Copyright laws, licensing requirements, and tariff rates may change from time to time. Readers are advised to verify all information on the official IPRS website and other relevant official sources before taking any action. Where necessary, readers should consult a qualified legal professional to understand their specific circumstances. BeON does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or current applicability of the information presented in this article.