IMI License Registration-, Procedure, Documents Required, Fee

Updated on June 09, 2025 06:06:29 PM

In today’s world of high competition and constantly evolving business surroundings, it poses substantial importance for an organization involved in utilization of sound recordings in public or commercial spaces to obtain an IMI License Registration. The IMI (Sound Recording Artists of India) license offers legal permission to the business establishment wishing to play, broadcast or stream any Sound recording while keeping fully compliant with copyright laws. To clarify certain points you have to register with the IMI License Registration to avoid legal clashes or penalty based on the use of sound recordings.

From a business point of view, IMI License Registration is not just an exercise in compliance, it’s an opportunity for organisations to deliver superior customer experience through music. IMI License Registration helps you legally acquire a vast range of sound recordings for any business that may use music in their line of operation such as retail, hospitality firms, entertainment companies among others. It also goes hand in hand with creating a peculiar and stimulating atmosphere for your customers and establishes a company in the face of competition. IMI License Registration intends to prove that you as a businessperson operate within the ethical standards since artists and rights holders are paid fairly for their works. It also helps in enhancing the position of your brand as well as accumulating the trust of the consuming public and even the participants in the marketplace.

What is the IMI License?

An IMI License is an essential permit that all organizations who want to play sound recordings in public or commercial places require. The IMI (Sound Recording Artists of India) License provides Businesses, Companies, and Individuals legal permission to play, broadcast or stream sound recording by the artists registered under IMI. Therefore, by registering for an IMI License Registration, your business will be operating within the region’s copyright laws; this means you will not be liable to legal action and penalties for the use of audio features.

From a business point of view, IMI License Registration is not mere legal compliances; it is a strategic imperative. As a result of getting an IMI License Registration, a business is permitted to utilize numerous sounds recordings legally which in the process can improve the general experience of clients. Regardless of whether you own a retail space, a food establishment, hotel, entertainment facility, etc IMI License Registration guarantees that any music and sound content utilized within such premises is completely legal and enables the creation of the right atmosphere for your clients.

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Types of Playbacks Covered in IMI License

The types of playbacks that generally come under IMI license are as follows:

  1. Public Performances: The IMI license provides performance rights of its members’ audio-visual production and literary works such as, scripts, screenplays, etc.
  2. Broadcasting and Streaming: The license also covers radio and television broadcasting of the films and TV programs containing the works of authors – members of IMI, both through conventional broadcasting and through Internet streaming.
  3. Commercial Use: IMI license will be compulsory for all members of IMI for using the works created by them in the advertisements or other promotional material in audio-visual format.
  4. Adaptations and Derivative Works: It also covers adaptation of the work; this way, any work that has been derived by other people from the screenwriter's work is protected under the license.
  5. Film Festivals and Screenings: Other public projections of movies during the festivals or another event that contains the works of authors who are members of IMI is also included in the license.
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Benefits of IMI License

There are numerous benefits of a IMI License, some of which are mentioned below:

  1. Legal Compliance: IMI License Registration guarantees that in your business you are in compliance with the copyright laws and can therefore play or use the copyrighted audio content. This compliance protects your business from such legal actions and its consequences.
  2. Enhanced Brand Image: With the help of the IMI License Registration your business can use a large number of really high quality audio materials, which will help to improve customers’ overall satisfaction. This is good for your brand because it demonstrates that you are professional, and care about the quality of your work.
  3. Revenue Growth: IMI License Registration helps your business regulate the use of popular music, and other forms of audio content for business purposes to get more clients, make their experience better and thus boost your revenues. Thus, the application of music within the context of business strategy interacts with cleavage and can bend customer perception and retention within a business.
  4. Broad Access to Content: IMI License Registration lets your business have a great choice of links to audio materials. This access also gives one the leverage of managing the audio environment in a way that a brand or its customers wants, thus resulting in a better experience.
  5. Risk Mitigation: IMI License Registration helps an organization to avoid legal liability that is associated with copyright infringement so that the organization can be able to concentrate on its operations without worrying about lawsuits.
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Registration Process of IMI License

The registration process of IMI License is mentioned in the following points, however, it is pertinent to note that the exact registration process may vary depending upon various factors:

Step 1: Determine Requirements

Determine which type of IMI License Registration is relevant to your business solely on the basis of the usage of recorded music in business.

Step 2: Complete Application

Complete and forward the necessary paperwork to begin the procedure of the IMI License Registration.

Step 3: Process Payment

Tender the necessary fees that are incurred when registering for IMI License so that your application proceeds further.

Step 4: Await Approval

After the completion of the form, your IMI License Registration will be processed and an approval message will be sent to you.

Step 5: Stay Compliant

Continuity of compliance by reviewing and updating IMI License Registration when necessary.

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Fee Charges

The fee for IMI License registration is subject to change depending upon the latest guidelines provided by the IMI. Still here is a generic fee structure for the same:

Scale Fee (₹) Professional Fee (₹)
1. Small Sized Business 10,000 to 25,000 per year Starts from ₹15,000
1. Medium Sized Business 25,000 to 75,000 per year
1. Large Sized Businesses 75,000 to 2,00,000+ per year
Special Events 5,000 to 50,000 per event

Professional Fee for the same starts at ₹15,000.

Note: The abovementioned fee is exclusive of GST.

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Validity of IMI License

In India the validity period to a IMI (Indian Singers & Musicians Rights Association) License is one year. Following this time, it is necessary for a company to renew its IMI License every year to be allowed to continue using music recordings for public performances or for broadcasting. It is the process of appraisal of terms, amendment where required, payment of the correct fees to ensure that the copyright provisions are observed in the correct manner.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, securing IMI License Registration is not just a legal necessity but a strategic business decision that offers multiple benefits. IMI License Registration ensures that your business remains compliant with copyright laws, protecting you from potential legal issues and fines. This legal protection is vital in maintaining your business’s reputation and operational continuity.

Moreover, IMI License Registration grants access to an extensive catalog of licensed music, allowing your business to create a more engaging and appealing environment for customers. The ability to legally use popular and diverse audio content through IMI License Registration can significantly enhance customer experience, contributing to increased satisfaction and loyalty. The financial implications of IMI License Registration are also noteworthy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to get a IMI license in India?

The registration process is as follows:

  • Determine Requirements
  • Complete Application
  • Process Payment
  • Await Approval
  • Stay Compliant
What is the cost of a IMI License in India?

The cost of a IMI License in India varies over multiple factors.

Is a IMI License a legal requirement?

IMI License provides legal rights to play copyrighted music for commercial purposes e.g. in shops, restaurants, businesses, and functions. Yes, it is a legal requirement for all businesses that seek playing copyrighted music in commercial places.

Which music comes under IMI India?

In India, the license IMI License relates to wide recorded music, owned or controlled by the company record label members. This includes:

  1. Commercial Music: Indian Regional Language, Bollywood, International/popular, Ghazals, and Classical/Hindustani songs.
  2. International Music: Songs of international artists, especially those which are under the international record labels which have presence in India through IMI.
  3. Regional Music: Songs and artists in Indian languages and regional cinema music including folk and regional songs and the latest chartbusters.
  4. Background Music: Music that is played either outdoors or inside establishments such as restaurants, malls,hotels and other business establishments whose musical pieces are in the IMI catalog.

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