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Knowledge

How licences work

How long does an MPLC licence last for?

An MPLC Public Performance Licence allows you to show all the licensed movies and TV content you want in your business or commercial setting for a period of one year.

You don’t need to tell us which movies or programmes you plan to show.

Towards the end of the year we will contact you to renew your licence.

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.

How much does an MPLC Public Performance Licence cost?

The MPLC Public Performance Licence is a simple, affordable annual fee. You don’t need to tell us which movies you are showing or watching, there is no ongoing reporting or admin paperwork.

The cost of a license depends on :

  • What sector or industry you are in
  • How big your premises are
  • How many locations you have

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.

What is an Umbrella Licence?

The term “Umbrella Licence” is another, older name for the MPLC Public Performance Licence.

We are changing the name in 2023 to make things simpler to understand. There is only one licence though and there is no difference between an Umbrella Licence and an MPLC Public Performance Licence. You may see both names used on documents and materials as we transition.

An MPLC Public Performance licence is required to legally show movies and TV programmes to the public or any closed user group of customers, members or other people. The licence is affordable, easy to buy and covers you and your business immediately.

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

Once I have an MPLC Public Performance Licence, can I advertise a movie or program that I want to show?

Yes : You can use the programme or film title and character names within your building, office or facility and on direct communications to people that you know by email or letter. You can also use this information when responding to direct enquiries from individuals such as by email or instant messaging.

You can also advertise a “Movie Night” or “Children’s Movie Night”, for example, to the general public, as long as no film title or character names are use in the advertisement.

No : You can not use the programme or film title and character names publically on a website or social media account, billboard, advert or any other publicly visible media.

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.

I have a TV licence, what is an MPLC licence and why do I need one for public showing of TV and movie content?

Your TV Licence covers the use and installation of TV receiving equipment at the place specified on the licence.

It does not cover business premises for the public performance of copyright material contained within films and television programmes.

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.

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