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Performer Rights

Performer Rights in the UK

Performers in the UK have specific legal rights separate from copyright in the underlying songs. These rights protect your performances and give you entitlements to payments when your performances are broadcast, streamed or used commercially.

What this guide covers

What performer rights are under UK law
Equitable remuneration explained
How PPL collects performer payments
Rights in recordings vs live performances
Consent rights for recording and reproduction
Moral rights for performers

Performer Rights Checklist

  • Register as a performer with PPL
  • Ensure you are credited on recordings you appear on
  • Log your performances with PPL for royalty collection
  • Understand when your consent is required for recordings
  • Check contracts for performer rights assignments
  • Know the difference between featured and non-featured performers
  • Understand equitable remuneration from broadcasting
  • Keep records of all recordings you contribute to

This checklist is for general education only and is not legal, tax or financial advice.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not registering with PPL as a performer
Confusing performer rights with songwriter royalties
Not logging session work for PPL claims
Signing away performer rights without understanding
Assuming your label handles all performer royalties
Not understanding featured vs non-featured status

When to speak to a qualified professional

If performer royalties appear to be missing
When contracts require assignment of performer rights
For disputes about performer credits
If your performances are used without consent
For advice on collective bargaining arrangements

Source notes

Sources for this guide are being compiled and will be added soon.

Educational Disclaimer: This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice. The information provided is based on publicly available resources and may not reflect the most current legal developments. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation. Musicians Rights UK is not a trade union, collecting society, law firm, royalty collection society, publishing administrator or government body.

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