Whether it is a little party or a major festival, playing music is an essential component of any occasion or gathering. To avoid any legal problems, it is crucial to be aware of the laws and guidelines in Singapore governing music licensing. The good news is that you can play some music without a permit.
Public domain music can be played without a license in Singapore. Music whose copyright has expired or been relinquished is referred to as being in the public domain. Music by Beethoven or Mozart is an example of classical music that is in the public domain. Even though the music is in the public domain, it’s crucial to remember that the recording of the music can still be protected by copyright.
On the other hand, if you want to perform music that is still protected by copyright, you must seek a permission from the Phonographic Performance Singapore (PPS) or the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS). You can play music protected by copyright in public spaces with the help of these licenses, which also make sure that the creators of the music are fairly compensated for their contributions.
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) will provide you a license if you want to publicly screen a film in Singapore. Whether you charge an admission price or not, the license is still necessary. Depending on the film’s genre, location, and audience size, different license fees apply.
The Singapore Police Force will require you to obtain a Public Entertainment License for events including concerts, weddings, and business gatherings. For events that feature entertainment like music, dance, or theater, this license is necessary. The cost of the license varies according to the scope and size of the gathering.
Finally, if your company provides music to its clients, you must apply for a PPS license. The Public Performance License (PPL), which enables you to play music protected by copyright inside your commercial space, is available. The licensing cost is determined by the volume of music you play and the size of your company.
In conclusion, playing music without a license may result in penalties and legal repercussions. However, if a piece of music is in the public domain, it can be played without a permit. You must secure the proper licenses from the relevant authorities if you intend to publicly play copyrighted music or show a movie. Make sure to secure the necessary permissions because it is always better to be safe than sorry. This way, you may enjoy your event or business without worrying about breaking any laws.