Why do I need a licence?
According to the Copyright Ordinance, copyright owners have the exclusive right in relation to the performance, playing or showing of copyright works in public. Music users should respect music copyright and obtain permission from the copyright owners before using copyright works.
By signing the reciprocal representation agreements with over 80 overseas affiliated Societies, CASH administers the Public Performing Right of lyrics and melodies for our members not only in Hong Kong but also other territories. A music user must obtain the Public Performance Licence for lyrics and melodies from CASH in order to play or perform copyright works legally in public places (i.e. non-domestic areas including retail shops, restaurants, shopping centres and many more).
Under Sections 43 and 76 of the Copyright Ordinance (Cap. 528), copyright exemption will be applied if the performance is for the benefit of a non-profit making organisation which is established for charity, advancement of religion, education or social welfare. Music users are welcome to check the exemption status with CASH Public Performance Licensing Department.
Enquiries
Tel: +852 2846 3229
E-mail: [email protected]
Business Areas
- Retail Shops and Department Stores
- Restaurants, Bars and Cafes
- Hi-Fi Shops, Showrooms
- Beauty Salons and SPA Centres
- Fitness Centres
- Hair Salons
- Shopping Centres
- Karaokes
- Banking Premises
- Bowling Centres
- Billiard Rooms and Games Centres
- Skating Rinks
- Clinics
- Others
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Enquiries
Tel: +852 2846 3229
E-mail: [email protected]
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Whether it be a concert, an exhibition, an art event, a carnival or a promotional event, to perform, show or play musical works in public are restricted acts under Copyright Ordinance. A licence from CASH is required to clear the Public Performing Right of lyrics and melodies.
Organising Events Outside Hong Kong
CASH only grants licences to music related events taken place within Hong Kong territory. For those events held outside the territory, please contact the corresponding music copyright Societies for details.
Enquiries
Tel: +852 2846 3229
E-mail: [email protected]
Digital Online Licence is suitable for any companies, organisations or individuals making available lyrics and/or melodies of copyrighted works on any online, internet or mobile platforms originating from Hong Kong or accessible in Hong Kong. Examples are:
- making available audio-visual contents (short videos, movies, TV dramas, music videos, etc) on mobile apps or websites
- online live broadcast via mobile apps or websites
- music streaming
- music download
- online karaoke
- online radio or TV
- online game
- online advertising
- mobile ringtone or connecting tone
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Enquiries
Tel: +852 2846 3215
E-mail: [email protected]
CASH is authorised by Music Publishers Association of Hong Kong Ltd as the exclusive agent to issue Karaoke Server Reproduction Right Licence on copying or reproducing lyrics and melodies onto computer servers or digital storage medium in karaoke premises or businesses providing similar facilities.
Enquiries
Tel: +852 2846 3229
E-mail: [email protected]
A CASH licence for making copies of music is needed for any companies, organisations or individuals intending to incorporate any CASH-administered musical compositions or lyrics in any audio/audio-visual production, such as movie, advertisement, sound recording, music video, game, TV/radio programme or video for upload to any online video-sharing platform.
Enquiries
Tel: +852 2846 3215
E-mail: [email protected]
Broadcasting Licence is suitable for radio or television broadcasters that broadcast in Hong Kong or transmit broadcast signals from Hong Kong to other territories’ distributors.
Enquiries
Tel: +852 2846 3215
E-mail: [email protected]
