Public Performance Rights Explained
Understanding what public performance rights are, why you need them, and how to get properly licensed in Europe.
What are public performance rights?
Public performance rights are one of the exclusive rights granted to music copyright holders. Whenever music is performed or played in a public setting — a venue, business, or any space accessible to the public — the copyright holders are entitled to compensation.
How are public performance rights enforced in Europe?
In Europe, public performance rights are collected and enforced by Collecting Management Organizations (CMOs). Each country has its own CMO:
- Germany — GEMA
- France — SACEM
- Spain — SGAE
- Italy — SIAE
- Netherlands — BUMA/STEMRA
These organizations actively monitor businesses and can issue fines for unlicensed music use.
Do I need to contact each CMO separately?
Traditionally, yes — you would need to negotiate with the CMO in each country where you operate. EasyMusicLicense simplifies this by providing a unified license valid across the EU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fines can I face for unlicensed music?
Fines vary by country but can range from hundreds to thousands of euros. In some cases, legal action can result in significantly higher damages.
Does EasyMusicLicense replace my obligation to CMOs?
EasyMusicLicense handles the licensing compliance on your behalf, so you don't need to deal with individual CMOs across Europe.