PPLUK

PPLUK

Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), is a UK-based music licensing company and performance rights organization founded by Decca and EMI in 1934. Its field of operation is distinct from the Performing Right Society, which originally collected fees for live performance of sheet music.

The Copyright Act 1956 led to the expansion of PPL's role to also cover the licensing of broadcasters that played recorded music. Further copyright law changes in 1988 strengthened PPL's licensing position. In 1996, performers were given the right to receive 'equitable remuneration' where recordings of their performances were played in public or broadcast – leading to PPL paying them royalties directly for the first time. Performer organizations PAMRA and AURA merged with PPL in 2006, leading to an annual meeting and dedicated board specifically for performers.

PPL members range from session musicians and emerging artists to major record labels and globally successful performers. As of 2019 PPL collected royalties for over 100,000 performers and recording rightsholders.