What happens if I show movies or TV programmes publicly and don’t get an MPLC Public Performance licence?

Unfortunately, it is a legal requirement to have a licence and if you show a movie or TV programmes publicly without one then you are breaking the law (Copyright, Designs and Patents Act). This can result in a fine for each instance, programme or movie that is shown. You could also be liable for court costs and legal fees,

You can confirm this on the UK government website here which includes a link back to our website. It states :

It’s not worth risking these charges when a licence costs is very affordable.

MPLC Public Performance Licences are easy to buy and can be put in place immediately. They are the legal way to show movies and TV programmes in a public or commercial space.

I’ve been running my business for many years without a licence. Why do I suddenly need one now?

We often get asked this question and we understand it can come as a surprise when you suddenly have a new licence to pay for something that you haven’t heard of before.

In the UK, the legislation changed in 2016 making this additional licence required and we have been working hard to catch up and inform every business that might need a licence since that date.

MPLC Public Performance Licences are affordable, easy to buy and can be put in place immediately. They are the legal way to show movies and TV programmes in a public or commercial space.

Will you take legal action against me if I do not buy a licence?

We do not like to refer unlicensed organisations to our rightsholders for legal action as it is expensive and wasteful for everyone and can result in exceptional costs for a small business. An MPLC licence is affordable, easy to buy and can be in place immediately so we would much rather talk to you and come to an agreement where you buy a licence and become compliant.

Legal action is available as a last resort.

In cases where an organisation is showing copyrighted content in a public space knowingly in breach of the law, then copyright holders can and do take legal action and there are many examples of this. In the UK you can read stories detailing where enforcement action has been taken at fact-uk.org.uk

There is no need to expose yourself or your business to the risk of legal enforcement action because an MPLC Public Performance Licences is affordable, easy to buy and can be in place immediately.