Who We Are
MPLC is the leading provider of licenses for organizations that want to show TV content, news, or movies in public while avoiding copyright issues. We:
- Help a wide range of organizations legally display audiovisual content in public. This includes major corporations as well as government facilities like the US State Department.
- Have been in business for decades and operates in 27 countries.
- Represent more than 5,000 rightsholders, from major studios to small, independent producers.
Why Do I Need an MPLC License?
Did you know that you could be infringing on copyrights if you show content in public without an MPLC Blanket License? Showing audiovisual content in public – even if you’re not charging a fee – is considered a public performance. Which, legally, means you probably need a public performance license.
This is all because of US copyright law. When TV or movie content is created, the studios who produce the content own the copyright for public performances. This applies whether the content is shown via broadcast, cable or satellite TV, DVD, Blu Ray, download, or streaming.
In line with House Report No.94-1476, organizations, including not-for-profit and nonprofit institutions, must secure a license to show copyrighted works. Regardless of whether an admission fee is charged.
MPLC is the leading provider of audiovisual blanket licenses in the United States. This license enables organizations to legally show tens of thousands of titles. As long as there’s no admission fee and any promotion falls within MPLC’s guidelines, the MPLC Blanket License is perfect. It provides a range of benefits including:
- A low annual fee.
- Unlimited performances.
- No reporting requirements for titles, dates or times of performances.
What Are the Benefits of the MPLC Blanket License?
It protects organizations from inadvertently showing audiovisual content without permission from the owner, while supporting more than 5,000 copyright holders with royalties.
This includes major media companies like Disney, Warner Bros Discovery, NBC Universal, CBS and Paramount Pictures in addition to hundreds of smaller studios.*
Securing these fees means studios can invest more money in the creation of new content. That creates numerous jobs for everyone from directors, writers, producers, cast, and countless crew members.
Who should get MPLC’s Blanket License?
Any business or organization with a TV or screen should have a conversation with MPLC to see whether they need an MPLC license. This list is not exhaustive but the types of organizations that typically need a license include:
- Any business or organization with a TV or screen in any common areas like waiting rooms and lounges.
- Apartments and master planned communities.
- Associations and industry conferences.
- Automobile dealerships.
- Camps and conference centers.
- Bars and restaurants.
- Hotel lobbies and bars.
- Campgrounds and RV parks.
- Childcare centers, pre-schools, schools, colleges and universities.
- Churches and other religious organizations.
- Dentists, doctors, hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
- Gyms and health clubs.
- Government and public buildings including libraries.
- Parks and recreation facilities.
What organizations does MPLC work with?
MPLC works with some of the most prestigious trade associations around the country. Some examples include the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI) and the Club Management Association of America (CMAA).
What Are MPLC’s Credentials?
The creative sector, government bodies, and trade associations have come to think of us as partners in ensuring their security and copyright coverage. Paying for an MPLC license is important, not only because it protects your organization from legal repercussions, but because it helps support the creative community.
Here’s what a few MPLC clients have to say about our services:
“The MPLC Team feels like having an extra coworker to handle the workload.”
Michelle R. Joya, Director of Licenses and Permits, TPG Hotels
“Having someone we can work with directly that aids us in our continuously changing portfolio, has been the best situation for us.”
Austin Olbrych, The NRP Group
What Happens If I Don’t Get a License?
Without a license, you could face costly litigation. And even if you don’t think copyright organizations know about your business, some will perform investigations unannounced. In one recent example related to music, Ponderosa Saloon had to pay BMI after the former admitted to copyright infringement. Additionally, another court opinion found that a bar owner was liable for an independent contractor who played an audiovisual work without the appropriate license. Courts tend to award the most severe fines against businesses that are aware of their obligations and choose to ignore them.
Any Questions?
Not sure whether your organization needs an MPLC license? Get in touch with our licensing team today at 1-866-552-MPLC (6752) for expert advice and guidance.
* Not all studios are available in all markets/verticals. Please contact MPLC for specific details of coverage.