The ACCC has decided not to object to the notification lodged by Mood Media Australia Pty Ltd and its related bodies corporate (Mood Media) on behalf of itself and Stingray Group Inc and its related bodies corporate (Stingray Group) to enable them to collectively negotiate the terms and conditions of music licence agreements with APRA AMCOS.
The notification is in similar terms to one the ACCC allowed to stand on 28 March 2019. This notification was lodged to expressly cover the related bodies corporate of Mood Media Australia and Stingray Group so that all relevant related entities can participate in the negotiations with APRA AMCOS.
Mood Media and Stingray Group supply background music to a range of businesses including restaurants and retailers. Under copyright law, when businesses play music in public, including as background music, they are required to obtain permission from the music owner. The background music supplier also requires the permission of the music owner to supply music to businesses. APRA AMCOS grants blanket licences to businesses and other users, including background music suppliers, so they are able to play music in public without contacting individual music owners for permission. APRA AMCOS distributes the licence fees collected to its songwriter, composer and music publisher members.
The notification was lodged on 31 May 2019 and the ACCC has decided to allow it to remain in force until 30 May 2029, unless it is withdrawn or revoked.