Backdated up to six years: what a PPL PRS claim for prior use means
A backdated bill for years of prior use is many businesses’ first, frightening contact with PPL PRS. Here’s what’s actually enforceable, and what to do.
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If a business played commercially released music without the appropriate licence, PPL PRS can pursue payment for that prior use, and because copyright claims in the UK generally run to a six-year limitation period, a backdated demand can in principle reach back up to six years. That’s the source of the large, alarming figures some owners see in their very first letter. It doesn’t mean the figure is automatically correct, or that you have no options.
Is a six-year backdated bill legal?#
Charging for genuine prior unlicensed use is a legitimate copyright position, and six years reflects the standard limitation period for such claims. But ‘legitimate in principle’ and ‘correct as calculated’ are two different things. The period, the premises details, the usage category and whether a higher rate has been applied correctly all affect the number, and all are worth checking rather than accepting at face value.
How is the backdated amount worked out?#
- The number of years you’re said to have been unlicensed (up to six).
- The tariff that applies to your premises and how you actually used music in that period.
- Whether the first-year higher royalty rate (standard + 50%) has been applied, and only to the correct year.
- Any changes over the period: a refit, a downsizing, a change in how music was used, or sites that opened or closed.
Because the calculation stacks several assumptions on top of each other, an error in any one of them (an overstated floor area, the wrong usage category, the higher rate applied to too many years) can inflate the total significantly.
What should I do if I get a backdated demand?#
First: don’t panic, and don’t ignore it. Gather records of how and when music was used and request the calculation. Compare the tariff, period and declared usage with those records before agreeing that the amount is right. Our invoice-triage guide explains the practical first steps, including the official query route.
Where we can help#
We’re independent (not affiliated with PPL PRS Ltd, PPL or PRS for Music) and we do this every day. Send us the letter and any invoices and we’ll check the backdated calculation: the period, the tariff, the higher-rate element and the premises details. If it’s overstated, we’ll help you put the correct position; if it’s right, we’ll tell you honestly. One site? The free Invoice Check gives you a written verdict in five working days. Four or more sites? The estate review is free and we only charge if we recover money. See pricing.
Had a backdated charge? The free "Should I be paying this?" checker takes a minute, and our help page has a letter asking PPL PRS for the period, tariff and evidence behind it.
- The 50% higher royalty rate explained →
- Do I need a music licence for my business? →
- How to check your music licence invoice →
Common questions
- How far back can a PPL PRS backdated bill go?
- Up to six years. If a business played commercially released music without the appropriate licence, PPL PRS can pursue payment for that prior use, and because copyright claims in the UK generally run to a six-year limitation period, a backdated demand can in principle reach back that far.
- Is a six-year backdated bill legal?
- Charging for genuine prior unlicensed use is a legitimate copyright position, and six years reflects the standard limitation period for such claims. But being legitimate in principle and being correct as calculated are two different things, and the period, premises details and usage category are all worth checking rather than accepting at face value.
- How is a backdated amount worked out?
- From the number of years you're said to have been unlicensed (up to six), the tariff for your premises and how music was actually used in that period, whether the first-year higher royalty rate has been applied correctly, and any changes over the period such as a refit or downsizing.
- What should I do if I get a backdated demand?
- Don't panic and don't ignore it. Gather records of how and when music was used, request the calculation, and compare the tariff, period and declared usage with those records before agreeing that the amount is right.
Want it checked or set up properly?
- Already paying? Send your latest invoice for a free check and a plain-English answer within five working days.
- Four or more sites? A free estate check, site by site, with a clear summary of anything that's off.
- No licence yet? We tell you exactly what to declare and make the application for you.
Get told when the rates change
PPL and PRS re-index their tariffs every year. Leave your email and we'll let you know when the main rates change (January and July), with a reminder to check your invoice. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe any time.
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and MLC is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with PPL PRS Ltd, PRS for Music or PPL.