Question 1

Who does PRM represent?

Accepted Answer

Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) represents duly registered Producers and Performers of sound recordings.

Producers are record labels, companies, or individuals who financed and own the original sound recordings (also known as master recordings).
Performers include singers, band members, session musicians, conductors, orchestra members, and other artists whose performances are included in the final recorded version of a song.

PRM is authorized by its members to license the public use of their sound recordings and to collect royalties on their behalf.

Question 2

I already secured a license from another CMO. Do I still need to get a license from PRM?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

PRM licenses the public use of original sound recordings on behalf of Producers and Performers.

Other Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) may represent songwriters and composers, whose rights are separate and distinct from those of Producers and Performers.

Because different rights exist in a single song, businesses may need licenses from multiple CMOs depending on how music is used. If an artist is both a songwriter and a performer/producer, they may be a member of multiple CMOs and are entitled to royalties in each capacity.

Question 3

Who needs to secure a music license?

Accepted Answer

PRM issues two primary types of licenses:

Public Performance License
Required for establishments that play sound recordings in areas accessible to the public. This includes:

Hotels and hospitality venues
Restaurants and cafés
Retail stores and malls
Gyms and fitness studios
Bars, clubs, and entertainment venues
Offices and commercial spaces

Broadcast License
Required for television and radio stations that air sound recordings as part of their programming. If recorded music is audible to the public, a license is required.

Question 4

What is a sound recording?

Accepted Answer

A sound recording refers to a recorded version of a song or musical work that has been fixed in a tangible format, such as:

CDs
Digital downloads
Streaming platforms
Broadcast recordings

This is distinct from the underlying musical composition (lyrics and melody).

Question 5

What is “public performance”?

Accepted Answer

Under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 8293), public performance includes making recorded sounds audible in a place where persons outside the normal circle of a family may be present.

In simple terms, if music is played in a commercial or public setting, it is considered a public performance. An example would be streaming music via Spotify through speakers inside a retail store.

Question 6

When do I need a Public Performance License?

Accepted Answer

Under Section 209 of the Intellectual Property Code, when sound recordings are used for broadcasting or communication to the public, or publicly performed to enhance commercial activity, equitable remuneration must be paid to the Producer and Performer.

If your business plays recorded music to enhance customer experience, brand environment, or operations, a Public Performance License is required.

PRM’s license covers the use of original sound recordings only and does not apply to live performances.

Question 7

I stream music using my personal paid subscription (Spotify, YouTube Music, etc.). Do I still need a license?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Personal streaming subscriptions are intended for private listening only. They do not grant the right to use music in public or commercial spaces.

If music is played in your establishment where customers or the public can hear it, a separate public performance license is required.

Question 8

We play the radio in our establishment. Is a license still required?

Accepted Answer

If the radio broadcast includes recorded music that is audible in your commercial space, a license is required.

If the program consists purely of talk content with no music, then a license may not be necessary.

Question 9

Our business has multiple branches. Does one license cover all locations?

Accepted Answer

If your head office secures a license that expressly covers all branches and pays the corresponding annual fees, all listed branches will be covered.

Otherwise, each branch must secure its own license.

Question 10

What is the difference between a studio producer and a master owner?

Accepted Answer

A studio producer supervises and manages the recording process.

A master owner (Producer) is the entity or individual who financed the recording and owns the original sound recording (master).

PRM represents Producers in their capacity as master recording owners.

Question 11

Who authorizes PRM to issue licenses and collect royalties?

Accepted Answer

PRM is a Collective Management Organization duly accredited by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) under the Department of Trade and Industry.

PRM is authorized by its members (Producers and Performers) to issue licenses, collect royalties for the public use of their sound recordings, and distribute those royalties accordingly.

Question 12

How does PRM distribute royalties?

Accepted Answer

After deducting approved operating expenses, royalties collected are distributed in accordance with law:

50% to the Producer (master owner)
50% to the Performers

Among Performers:

2/3 is allocated to the Featured Artist(s)
1/3 is allocated to Non-Featured Artist(s) (e.g., session musicians)

Question 13

We use a music provider. Do we still need a PRM license?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

A music provider supplies curated music content but does not automatically grant public performance rights.

Unless your music provider has secured a public performance license from PRM specifically on your behalf, your business must obtain its own license.

Question 14

How much does a music license cost and how long is it valid?

Accepted Answer

PRM’s published tariffs for public performance licenses are available on our website. Licenses are valid for one (1) year and are renewable annually.

Fees may vary depending on business type, size, and usage.

Question 15

What happens if I don't secure a public performance license?

Accepted Answer

Using sound recordings in a commercial setting without proper authorization may expose a business to civil and/or criminal liability under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Securing a license ensures legal compliance and supports the continued growth of the Philippine music industry.

Question 16

Does PRM cover foreign or international music?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

PRM represents both local and international sound recordings through reciprocal agreements with foreign collective management organizations.

This means that when your establishment plays international music, the Producers and Performers of those recordings are also entitled to equitable remuneration under Philippine law.

Securing a PRM license ensures coverage for both Philippine and international repertoire represented by PRM

Question 17

If music is only background or incidental, is a license still required?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Whether music is played as background ambiance, part of customer experience, or to enhance business operations, it is still considered public performance if it is audible to the public.

The purpose or volume of the music does not exempt a business from securing the appropriate license.

Question 18

What if we host live events but also play recorded music before or after?

Accepted Answer

Live performances and recorded music involve different rights.

PRM licenses the public performance of recorded sound recordings only.

If your establishment plays recorded music before, during breaks, or after live performances, a Public Performance License from PRM is still required for that recorded music usage.

Question 19

How does securing a PRM license benefit my business?

Accepted Answer

Securing a PRM license ensures:
Compliance with the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines
Protection from potential legal exposure
Proper compensation for Producers and Performers
Support for a sustainable and responsible music ecosystem

Beyond compliance, it demonstrates that your business values creativity, intellectual property, and ethical use of music.

Question 20

How do I secure a music license?

Accepted Answer

You may contact PRM through email at info@prm.com.ph

Our team will guide you through the application process and applicable requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Who does PRM represent?

I already secured a license from another CMO. Do I still need to get a license from PRM?

Who needs to secure a music license?

What is a sound recording?

What is “public performance”?

When do I need a Public Performance License?

I stream music using my personal paid subscription (Spotify, YouTube Music, etc.). Do I still need a license?

We play the radio in our establishment. Is a license still required?

Our business has multiple branches. Does one license cover all locations?

What is the difference between a studio producer and a master owner?

Who authorizes PRM to issue licenses and collect royalties?

How does PRM distribute royalties?

We use a music provider. Do we still need a PRM license?

How much does a music license cost and how long is it valid?

What happens if I don't secure a public performance license?

Does PRM cover foreign or international music?

If music is only background or incidental, is a license still required?

What if we host live events but also play recorded music before or after?

How does securing a PRM license benefit my business?

How do I secure a music license?