There are up to four different agencies which need to be paid for performing rights. These agencies are Phonographic Performance Ltd. (PPL) India, Novex Communications, Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) and the Indian Singers Rights Association (ISRA). PPL and Novex, between them, have the rights to more than a million songs. They file injunctions in various courts against clubs and hotels. PPL, Novex and IPRS get restraining orders from various high courts when music is played without obtaining proper licences.

PPL has more than 340 labels on board. Novex has licensing rights for the catalogues of Zee Music, YRF, Eros and Tips. IPRS is authorised under Section 33 of the Copyright Act to collect licensing fees for public music performances from organisers. ISRA charges royalty from organisers for singers.

Multiple players make playing music costly. Their rate cards vary from as low as Rs.5000 for a non-ticketed event to as high as Rs.3 lac. Usually, venues pay for the music rights. In a party, who has the time to check whether the DJ has the rights to play the requested songs?

Mumbai-based PPL has approached the Bombay High Court to persuade different hotels to seek licenses. The process of getting licenses is made easier — it is online. PPL has entered into reciprocal agreements with its counterparts abroad.