Everybody loves music. Playing some tunes in your workplace can help create a positive working environment for your staff or help set the mood for your customers while shopping, dining or working out. Some studies have even shown it can influence people to buy more!
But did you know that if you play music in your business, you’re required to have a licence or you may be at risk of breaking copyright laws?
Many business owners don’t realise that playing music comes with legal obligations under the Copyright Act 1968. This includes:
- playing the radio
- listening to a CD
- streaming digital music
How do I get a licence to play music in my business?
Established in 2019, OneMusic is an APRA AMCOS (Australasian Performing Right Association Limited and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society) and PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Limited) joint music licensing initiative.
The organisations came together under OneMusic to simplify the licencing process for customers by creating one licence that allows Australian businesses to play music commonly heard on radio, TV, streaming services, or music purchased online or in stores.
A OneMusic “blanket licence” covers most popular music available worldwide. The organisation keeps track of the music played through various sources and uses music recognition software to ensure licence fees go directly to the music creators.
You can easily obtain the correct licence by using the licence selection tool linked from the home page of the OneMusic website.
Do I need a license to play the radio in my small business?
Music on free-to-air TV or radio played in your business is a public performance of that music and protected under the Copyright Act. This needs permission from the copyright owners of the music and a OneMusic licence provides this permission.
Is OneMusic a legitimate licencing initiative?
It is a great idea to be alert to scams in business, and many organisations have been cautious about purchasing a licence through OneMusic as they may be more accustomed to these licences being offered under other organisation names such APRA. OneMusic is a legitimate licencing initiative which is included in the SBDC’s Business Licence Finder.
In an effort to increase awareness about their new brand name and the need for licencing, OneMusic will be contacting small business in Western Australia to introduce themselves from 1 October 2024.
What happens if I play music in my business without a licence?
In Australia, the Copyright Act (1968) protects the rights of music creators by that artists are fairly compensated for their work.
Playing music in your business without a licence can constitute a copyright infringement, which may lead to legal action as well as costs covering the outstanding licensing fees and potentially other damages and legal fees.
What are my options to play music other than OneMusic?
If you want to play music in your business and don’t want to take out a OneMusic licence, there are a few options.
- Obtain written permission directly from all the artists and music creators who own the songs you wish to play.
- Play music that is ‘royalty free’. But be careful; sometimes music labelled as ‘royalty-free’ is in fact not entirely free from the payment of ongoing royalties and you may still require a licence to avoid copyright infringement.
More information
- For more information on music licences and prices visit the OneMusic Australia website.
- For guidance to help you start of run your business, contact our free business advisory service.
- To check the licences and approvals you may need to operate your business in WA, use our free Business Licence Finder.
