Licentia Franchise SA

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Your Freedom to Business Licenses

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Licentia - Logo (White Long) 2

Your Freedom to Business Licenses

CONTACT US
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1. - What is SAMPRA and what does it do?

VIEW ANSWER

SAMPRA (South African Music Performance Rights Association) is a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) responsible for administering Needletime Rights on behalf of recording artists and record companies. These rights allow artists and record labels to receive royalties when their sound recordings are played publicly, whether on radio, television, or in public spaces like stores, restaurants, and gyms.

2. - Who needs a SAMPRA license?

VIEW ANSWER

Any business or entity that plays or broadcasts sound recordings in public must obtain a SAMPRA license. This includes venues such as supermarkets, clothing stores, restaurants, bars, and fitness centers. Even businesses that play background music need to be licensed.

3. - What is the difference between SAMPRA and SAMRO?

VIEW ANSWER

SAMPRA administers Needletime Rights, which ensure that recording artists and record labels are compensated for the public use of sound recordings. SAMRO (South African Music Rights Organisation), on the other hand, handles Performance Rights, paying royalties to composers, lyricists, and music publishers for the public performance of musical compositions (the underlying work).

4. -Why do I need a SAMPRA license if I only play the radio?

VIEW ANSWER

Even if you are only playing music via the radio in your business, you still need a SAMPRA license. While radio stations pay for the right to broadcast music, that license does not extend to public performances of the broadcast in venues like shops, restaurants, or other commercial spaces.

5. - How are the fees for a SAMPRA license calculated?

VIEW ANSWER

The fees for a SAMPRA license depend on several factors, including the size of the business, the type of business, and how the music is used (e.g., background music, live performances, etc.). SAMPRA provides a tariff structure to help businesses determine their licensing fees based on these factors.

6. - What happens if I don’t get a SAMPRA license?

VIEW ANSWER

If a business uses sound recordings publicly without a SAMPRA license, it is in violation of South African copyright law. This could result in legal action, including fines and possible criminal sanctions for copyright infringement.

7. - How often are royalties distributed by SAMPRA?

VIEW ANSWER

Royalties are generally distributed quarterly by SAMPRA. The payments go to registered rights holders (recording artists and record labels) based on the data collected on how often and where their sound recordings were played.

8. - Can a SAMPRA license be transferred if I sell my business?

VIEW ANSWER

No, a SAMPRA license is non-transferable. If ownership of the business changes or the business is relocated, a new license must be obtained. Licenses must also be renewed annually.

9. - What types of music are covered by a SAMPRA license?

VIEW ANSWER

A SAMPRA license covers all sound recordings in SAMPRA’s repertoire, which includes a vast selection of commercially released music from both South African and international artists. This ensures that businesses are legally covered to play a wide range of music genres.

10. - How do I apply for a SAMPRA license?

VIEW ANSWER

You can apply for a SAMPRA license directly through the SAMPRA website. The process involves filling out an application form and providing details about your business and how you use music. Once the form is submitted, SAMPRA will calculate your licensing fees based on their tariff structure.

1. - What is SAMPRA and what does it do?

VIEW ANSWER

SAMPRA (South African Music Performance Rights Association) is a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) responsible for administering Needletime Rights on behalf of recording artists and record companies. These rights allow artists and record labels to receive royalties when their sound recordings are played publicly, whether on radio, television, or in public spaces like stores, restaurants, and gyms.

2. - Who needs a SAMPRA license?

VIEW ANSWER

Any business or entity that plays or broadcasts sound recordings in public must obtain a SAMPRA license. This includes venues such as supermarkets, clothing stores, restaurants, bars, and fitness centers. Even businesses that play background music need to be licensed.

3. - What is the difference between SAMPRA and SAMRO?

VIEW ANSWER

SAMPRA administers Needletime Rights, which ensure that recording artists and record labels are compensated for the public use of sound recordings. SAMRO (South African Music Rights Organisation), on the other hand, handles Performance Rights, paying royalties to composers, lyricists, and music publishers for the public performance of musical compositions (the underlying work).

4. - Why do I need a SAMPRA license if I only play the radio?

VIEW ANSWER

Even if you are only playing music via the radio in your business, you still need a SAMPRA license. While radio stations pay for the right to broadcast music, that license does not extend to public performances of the broadcast in venues like shops, restaurants, or other commercial spaces.

5. - How are the fees for a SAMPRA license calculated?

VIEW ANSWER

The fees for a SAMPRA license depend on several factors, including the size of the business, the type of business, and how the music is used (e.g., background music, live performances, etc.). SAMPRA provides a tariff structure to help businesses determine their licensing fees based on these factors.

6. - What happens if I don’t get a SAMPRA license?

VIEW ANSWER

If a business uses sound recordings publicly without a SAMPRA license, it is in violation of South African copyright law. This could result in legal action, including fines and possible criminal sanctions for copyright infringement.

7. - How often are royalties distributed by SAMPRA?

VIEW ANSWER

Royalties are generally distributed quarterly by SAMPRA. The payments go to registered rights holders (recording artists and record labels) based on the data collected on how often and where their sound recordings were played.

8. - Can a SAMPRA license be transferred if I sell my business?

VIEW ANSWER

No, a SAMPRA license is non-transferable. If ownership of the business changes or the business is relocated, a new license must be obtained. Licenses must also be renewed annually.

9. - What types of music are covered by a SAMPRA license?

VIEW ANSWER

A SAMPRA license covers all sound recordings in SAMPRA’s repertoire, which includes a vast selection of commercially released music from both South African and international artists. This ensures that businesses are legally covered to play a wide range of music genres.

10. - How do I apply for a SAMPRA license?

VIEW ANSWER

You can apply for a SAMPRA license directly through the SAMPRA website. The process involves filling out an application form and providing details about your business and how you use music. Once the form is submitted, SAMPRA will calculate your licensing fees based on their tariff structure.