MPLC License - Do I need one or is it a rip-off?

journosam

I'm looking for some advice on the MPLC (Motion Picture Licensing Corporation) license.

We're a small sports centre which is part of a comprehensive school. We do not wish to broadcast films or television, either to our customers or to our staff. We own no televisions but have two desktop computers on the front desk which are for work purposes only.

On the basis of our ownership of these two computers we are being told by the MPLC we need a license. They've explained we need to buy one so that we're covered in case a member of staff streams a film or television from one of our computers. I've explained that this would be against our Internet Usage Policy but they've told me we're still liable if one of our staff does this and could be prosecuted as a result.

I wanted to find out if this really is the case? I'm a little suspicious because it would imply every single business with a working internet connection would need to buy a license. The MPLC staff were also quite aggressive on the phone and disbelieving when I told them we don't own a television.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Buzby

The organisation itself is legitimate but just like the MCPS (who do the same thing for music rights holders) what neither tell you is that there is absolutely no need to pay for their licence unless you show movies (or play music) and the fact they suggest you should pay up ‘just in case’ - which is laughable.

Further, if a staff member streamed a film (or played music) will their inspector know? Add to this they only act for a few companies, if you DID pay up but use a film from a different distributor who isn’t part of their cabal - you’re still at risk!

Treat it the same as the old directory sales promotions - useful if you need it, but a good way to spend money you don’t really need to.

john1

As you are part of a school then you could be exempt see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/copyright-licences-information-for-schools


From https://www.gov.uk/showing-films-in-public


You need a ‘non-theatrical’ film licence to show films and TV programmes in public (but not in a cinema), for example:

at one-off events
at film clubs - whether or not you sell tickets
in common areas for guests, residents and passengers
in retail and entertainment venues

So unless you are deliberately showing films as Busby said tell them to go away and not bother you again