How much is the MP3/MP4 Licence fee?
There are 2 categories of licence fees, depending on whether you are selling Portable Media Devices which store, organize and play (1) only digital music or (2) ) both digital music and videos.
For MP3/MP4 Tariffs, click here.
Is there a limit to the number of sound recordings and music videos that can be
reproduced into the Portable Media Devices for demonstration purposes?
Yes, a maximum of 50 sound recordings and 20 music videos may be reproduced into each Portable Media Device. You can only reproduce ONE copy of each sound recording and/or music video into each Portable Media Device for the sole purpose of demonstration to customers.
The reproduction of the sound recordings and/or music videos into the Portable Media Devices must be downloaded from legitimate CDs, LDs, VCDs or DVDs.
If I have more than one outlet that sell Portable Media Devices and I intend to reproduce sound recordings and/or music videos into these devices for demonstration purposes, do I need to apply for separate MP3/MP4 Licence for each outlet?
Yes, licence fees are payable for each individual fixed commercial premises. This licence is not transferable.
If I sell Portable Media Devices and reproduce the sound recordings and/or music videos into these devices for demonstration purposes at road shows or exhibitions, do I need to apply for a separate MP3/MP4 Licence?
The MP3/MP4 Licence only allows demonstration of the sound recordings and music videos reproduced into the Portable Media Devices at the "Fixed Commercial Licensed Location(s)" printed on the licence document. Therefore, you are required to obtain a separate MP3/MP4 Licence.
After I apply for this licence, can I sell the Portable Media Devices containing the sound recordings or music videos to customers?
No, the licence does not allow you to sell the Portable Media Devices containing sound recordings or music videos reproduced into these devices to any customers. All sound recordings and music videos must be removed from the Portable Media Devices.
The manufacturers of the Portable Media Devices that I am selling have already obtained permission directly from the copyright owners to reproduce the sound recordings and music videos into these devices. Do I need to obtain an additional licence from RIPS?
In such a case, please provide such documentation and licence to our office for verification and we will advise you further.
The sound recordings and/or music videos in the Portable Media Devices are downloaded from websites for demonstration purposes. Will I still need to apply for a MP3/MP4 Licence?
To avoid infringing the copyright laws, make sure that you are not downloading sound recordings and/or music videos from unauthorized websites or from unlicensed peer-to-peer networks.
When you download sound recordings from legal websites, you are subject to the Terms of Use of that website regarding the specific sound recording or music video that you have downloaded.
Does the MP3/MP4 Licence allow me to create remixes for demonstration purposes?
No, you are not allowed to mix, remix, segue, change or edit the sounds and/or images of any sound recording and music videos. This licence only allows you to reproduce sound recordings and music videos into Portable Media Devices so that the copies stored in these devices are the same as the original sound recordings and music videos.
Is it ok to have the album covers for the sound recordings or music videos that are reproduced into the Portable Media Devices?
No, this licence does not extend to the reproduction and/or use of record album covers, photographs or artwork related to the sound recordings or music videos that are reproduced into the Portable Media Devices.
What if I don't apply for a MP3/MP4 Licence?
The reproduction of sound recordings and/or music videos into Portable Media Devices for demonstration to customers requires the consent of the copyright owners. Without this licence, you are infringing the record companies' rights in its sound recordings and music videos. RIPS will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those establishments (and their directors or proprietor/s) which infringes the record companies' copyrights.
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