Music Licences for Recorded Media
If you’re using music in recorded or distributed formats—whether for commercial release, broadcast, internal business use, or synchronisation with visual content—you may require specific licensing to ensure copyright compliance. We offer a range of licences tailored to cover the use of production music, CDs and DVDs, B2B music services, and music synchronisation.
Whether you’re pressing physical media for retail, using music in corporate communications, distributing content to clients, or syncing music to video for film or advertising, our licences are designed to support your needs while ensuring music creators are fairly compensated for the use of their work.
We work with individuals, organisations, and content creators across all sectors—providing expert support and streamlined access to the rights you need. Explore the licensing options below to find the right fit for your project or service.
Production Music Licensing
Welcome to MCPS Libraries’ Production Music – your gateway to a vast catalogue of high-quality, cost-effective music created specifically for use in film, television, radio, online, and other audio-visual productions. We’ve simplified our licensing categories and rates to better reflect your production needs.
What is Production Music?
Production music, also known as library music, is pre-composed music written specifically for inclusion in media projects. This music is sourced from MCPS-approved production music libraries and is available for licensing at competitive rates.
How to Licence Production Music
Licensing production music through IMRO and MCPS Ireland is straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- Browse and select music via MCPS libraries’ websites.
- Choose the tracks or sound effects that best suit your production.
- Sign-up for a Production Music Licence.
- A synchronisation licence and invoice will be issued to you via email or post.
For more guidance or support, please contact:
More…
Music Licences for CDs & DVDs
If you’re producing a physical product that includes music—such as a CD, DVD, computer game, novelty item, or other media—you may need to obtain the appropriate copyright licences.
Whether you’re manufacturing commercial music albums, background music for a game, or including tracks on promotional or educational materials, how the music is used will determine the specific clearance required.
To ensure your project is fully compliant and rights holders are properly compensated, please select the option below that best describes your product and how the music is being used.
Covermounts (AP7 / AP7N Licensing)
The MCPS Covermounts Scheme covers the use of music on free CDs and other audio products supplied with magazines (AP7) or newspapers (AP7N) sold to the public in the Republic of Ireland.
This scheme allows publishers to include music with their print publications, subject to certain restrictions and licensing terms.
What Does the Scheme Cover?
- Mechanical rights (the right to reproduce music).
- Applicable to CDs and other physical audio formats.
How to Apply for Product Clearance
Participation in the scheme does not mean automatic clearance for all products. You must:
- Submit a separate application form for each type of audio product.
- Apply at least 21 days before your intended manufacture date.
For additional units or repeat production, email: mcps.licensing@imro.ie
What Is Excluded?
Third-party sponsored releases – these fall under the SG3 (Premium Products) scheme and require separate licensing.
Key Restrictions and Requirements
To qualify for the Covermounts scheme, all of the following conditions must be met:
- Music used must be reviewed or referred to in the magazine/newspaper.
- Album details must be included alongside the track.
CDs may not:
- Feature a single artist exclusively, or
- Include more than two tracks by the same writer or writing partnership unless prior written approval is obtained via MCPS (this applies to recordings released within the 24 months before distribution)
Products must display:
- The British Music Rights “Respect the Value of Music” logo.
- The strapline: “The producers of this CD have paid the composer and publishers for the use of their music.”
- These must appear together on the product or its packaging.
- The CD or audio item must be bagged with or affixed to the magazine/newspaper.
What is Considered a “Music Product”?
This includes:
- Music paired with still photo galleries.
- Music accompanying artist or band profiles.
- Live performance footage or pop music videos.
- Background music for interviews or related video content.
Notes on Promotions
No promotional allowances apply under this scheme.
If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, or need assistance with your application, contact:
Premium Products Licensing (MCPSI Scheme)
The MCPSI Premium Products Scheme covers the use of music in CDs, DVDs, CD-ROMs, memory sticks, and similar formats that are supplied as part of a marketing campaign, promotion, or incentive in the Republic of Ireland.
This licence enables brands and businesses to incorporate music into physical products used to attract or reward customers — with prior approval.
What’s Covered by the Licence?
Mechanical rights: The right to copy, manufacture, and distribute music as part of a promotional product or incentive.
Formats: CD, DVD, cassette, CD-ROM, memory stick, and similar physical media.
How to Apply
Licensing depends on the type of music you are using:
1. Commercial Music Only
- Complete an Application for Licence.
- Apply well in advance to allow time for rights clearance.
- Contact: mcps.licensing@imro.ie
2. Production Music Only
- Visit the Production Music section of the website for full application guidelines.
3. Both Commercial & Production Music
- You must apply for separate licences for each.
- Clearance must be granted for both before manufacture.
Note: Clearance may not be possible for certain music – especially in campaigns related to alcohol or tobacco products. - A backup/alternative tracklist is strongly recommended.
- For sound recording rights, contact: Phonographic Performance Ireland (PPI) at +353 1 280 5977
Licence Fees (Guideline Rates)
Charges for Commercial music use are negotiated individually. However, for products distributed free of charge, typical rates include:
- CDs: €0.07 per musical work per unit.
- Audio-Visual Formats: €0.015 per minute per musical work per unit.
(Minimum charge: €0.02 per musical work per unit).
For other format pricing, email: mcps.licensing@imro.ie
Reporting & Payment Process
For Commercial Music Use:
- Submit a request to MCPS.
- MCPS negotiates with relevant copyright holders.
- MCPS communicates charges and grants conditional clearance.
- Licence is activated upon payment (required within 7 days).
For Production Music Use:
See the Production Music page for the full application process.
What Is Excluded?
Covermounts (CDs/DVDs distributed with magazines or newspapers without third-party sponsorship).
These are covered under the Covermount (AP7/AP7N) Scheme.
Main Restrictions
- Products must not be sold.
- Prior approval is required in all cases.
- Licence is limited to an agreed number of units.
- Additional manufacturing (repress) requires separate permission.
Audio Product Licence (AP2)
The MCPS Audio Product Licence (AP2) covers the use of musical works in audio-only products that are manufactured or distributed for retail sale in the Republic of Ireland.
Whether you’re pressing CDs, vinyl, or releasing music on other physical formats, this licence ensures you have the legal rights to reproduce and distribute copyrighted music.
What Formats Are Covered?
- CDs
- Vinyl
- DVD Audio
- SACD
- Other audio formats (agreed with MCPS)
What Does the AP2 Licence Allow You to Do?
Manufacture audio-only products
Distribute audio-only products for retail sale in Ireland
Rights Covered
The AP2 Licence covers the mechanical rights – royalties paid to music publishers and songwriters for the use of their compositions.
Note: If you’re using existing sound recordings, you must also obtain a licence from the relevant record company or sound recording rights holder.
How Much Does It Cost?
- 8.5% of the Published Dealer Price (PDP)
- If PDP is unavailable: 6.5% of the Retail Price (RP)
- Multiplied by the number of copies shipped
- Charges are reduced if some content is Public Domain or non-MCPS repertoire
- Payment must be made before manufacture
Promotional Allowance
If you’re manufacturing 500 or more units, you may qualify for:
- 8.5% of the Published Dealer Price (PDP)
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Up to 25% promotional copies royalty-free
Maximum:
250 units per format (albums)
400 units per format (singles)
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Products must be clearly marked: “PROMOTIONAL COPY – NOT FOR SALE”
Key Application FAQs
- What about medleys?
Include a medley header, followed by the individual titles in the application. Leave the medley column blank for the header row.
- Cover Versions with lyric changes?
You must seek permission to adapt from the copyright owner before applying – AP2 does not grant rights to altered or derivative works.
- Releasing your own work?
If the music is unpublished and the songwriters are not MCPS members, no royalties are charged – you will receive a Notification of No Claim.
- Need to repress the product?
Use the repressing form provided with your licence and send it to: mechanicals@imro.ie
- No publisher details?
Include the composer/songwriter info. MCPS will search for the publisher.
- Need to change a submitted application?
If the changes are minor, email: mechanicals@imro.ie
- Do I need a licence before recording music?
No – but you must have the licence before manufacturing copies for public distribution.
What Documents Will I Receive?
- Licence (after invoice payment), or
- Notification of No Claim (if no royalties are due)
Licences are typically issued within 10 days of receiving your application.
Other Key Terms
Catalogue Number: Choose a unique identifier for your release (e.g. MNPCD001).
Copyright Control: Means a work is unregistered — you may still face a back claim if the work is later registered.
First Licence Refusal: A flag indicating a temporary restriction — licensing resumes once lifted.
Want to Distribute for Free?
Even if no money changes hands, you still need a licence to distribute music. Different licence types may apply — contact MCPS to determine which one is suitable.
Questions?
Contact the Mechanical Licensing Team:
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mechanicals@imro.ie
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MCPS Ireland, Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Dublin 2
DVD / AVP Licence (Audio-visual Product)
If you’re manufacturing or distributing audio-visual products for retail sale in Ireland, you’ll need the appropriate licence to legally use music within your content. IMRO, through MCPS Ireland, offers two licence types to suit your needs:
- AVP Licence – for general interest.
- DVDs (e.g. sports, fitness, education) DVD1 Licence – for music-focused DVDs (e.g. concert footage, music documentaries).
These licences cover the mechanical (copying the music) and synchronisation (using music with visuals) rights required to bring your product to market.
What Does the AVP Licence Cover?
The AVP licence allows the use of music in audio-visual products where music is not the primary content. This includes:
- Sports footage
- Artist-related visuals
- Fitness and instructional videos
- Children’s programming
- Previously licensed or broadcast TV content
⚠️ Note: Use of music with new, unpublished, or non-broadcast visual content may require prior approval from the copyright owner before licensing can be granted.
Licence Costs
AVP Licence Fee is calculated as:
8.5% of the highest Published Dealer Price (PDP) MCPS Claim
(or if PDP is unavailable: 6.5% of the Retail Price × MCPS Claim).
Where: MCPS Claim =
Minutes of music in the product Total product duration
Example: 5 minutes of music in a 50-minute product = 10% MCPS Claim
What Rights Are Covered?
- Mechanical Rights (reproducing the musical work)
- Synchronisation Rights (using music with visuals)
These royalties are paid to music publishers and songwriters.
If your product includes sound recordings, you must obtain a separate licence from the relevant record company or sound recording rights holder.
Using Production Music?
If you’re using MCPS production music, you can license it via the MCPS Ireland Production Music Rate Card, offering a simple and cost-effective solution for AV projects.
What Requires Prior Approval?
The following may not be covered automatically under the AVP licence:
- New, unpublished visual content
- Any content not previously cleared or broadcast
- Music used in a sensitive or controversial context
In these cases, prior approval from the copyright holder is required.
How to Apply
To obtain an AVP or DVD1 licence, or to check if your content qualifies:
Music Services B2B Licence
If your business supplies music services to commercial premises—such as retail stores, restaurants, pubs, hotels, or even airplanes—then the Music Services B2B (MSB2B) Scheme is the appropriate licensing framework for you.
This licence allows you to legally provide background music, karaoke, or music video services to business clients across Ireland (and in some cases, the EEA) through physical or digital media.
What Does the MSB2B Scheme Cover?
The MSB2B Licence covers reproduction and communication to the public rights for the supply of music to third-party commercial sites. It includes:
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Creating a music database (audio, music video, karaoke) to source content.
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Transmitting music electronically to businesses in Ireland.
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Satellite transmission of music (uplinked from Ireland) to clients within the EEA.
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Client-end storage on hard disk or local streaming systems within Ireland.
Who Needs This Licence?
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Retail shops
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Pubs and bars
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Restaurants
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Hotels and hotel rooms
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Airlines and transport operators
- Any other public-facing commercial premises
Formats Covered
- Physical delivery: CD, DVD, tape, hard drive, CD-ROM, laser disc, etc.
- Electronic delivery: Internet streaming, satellite, wireless networks, private/public networks.
Pricing Structure
Via Physical Media
- Background Service: 6% of Applicable Revenue or €2.20 per site/month (whichever is greater)
- On-Demand Service: 6% or €2.75 per site/month
- Karaoke Service: 9.5% or €2.75 per site/month
Via Electronic Means
- Background Service: 7% of Applicable Revenue or €2.75 per site/month
- On-Demand Service: 8% or €3.85 per site/month
- Karaoke Service: 10.5% or €3.85 per site/month
⚠️ Note: The number of client sites per month is based on the highest active site count during that month.
Need Help?
Have questions or need guidance on the right licence for your service?
Individual Synchronisation (Sync) Rights
If your business supplies music services to commercial premises—such as retail stores, restaurants, pubs, hotels, or even airplanes—then the Music Services B2B (MSB2B) Scheme is the appropriate licensing framework for you.
This licence allows you to legally provide background music, karaoke, or music video services to business clients across Ireland (and in some cases, the EEA) through physical or digital media.
Synchronisation rights
Commonly referred to as “Sync” rights – grant permission to use music in combination with other media. This applies whenever music is paired with visual or multimedia content, such as:
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TV and radio programming
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Advertising (broadcast, online, or viral)
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Internet TV or on-demand platforms
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Music used on websites or apps (e.g., background music)
When Are Individual Sync Licences Needed?
While many uses of music in media are covered under MCPS blanket licences (e.g., for broadcasters), individual sync licences are required when:
- The usage falls outside of a blanket licence, or
- The broadcaster or production company doesn’t hold a blanket licence that covers your intended use.
Before applying, it’s important to first check with your broadcaster or production partner to confirm whether their existing agreement with MCPS covers your project.
Licensing Process
When music is not already covered:
- Some MCPS members license their works directly to production companies.
- Others have appointed MCPS to manage licences on their behalf.
If MCPS does not control the rights for a particular work, we will guide you to the appropriate copyright owner or representative.
How Are Fees Calculated?
Sync licensing fees are based on a combination of factors, including:
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The channel or platform the production will appear on
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The context in which the music is used (e.g., title sequence, background, performance)
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The duration of music used
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The number of planned transmissions
Apply or Learn More
Have questions or need guidance on the right licence for your service?