Frequently Asked Questions
Q Our residents live here. Our community is their home. Why do we need a public performance license to watch movies, TV, and other audiovisual content in common areas?
A Because senior living and healthcare communities comprise a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances, they are considered “public” rather than “private” under copyright law. As such, whether it is through closed-circuit communications throughout the facility, or providing entertainment on common area screens, performances in such facilities need to be licensed as public performances.
Q We show movies, TV, and other audiovisual content via DVD, Blu-Ray, download, stream, over the air broadcast, cable, or satellite TV. Do we still need a license to view or show it in public?
A The content obtained in all those ways is meant for personal, private use only and is not meant for showing in public without permission from the rights holder. An Umbrella License may be needed when MPLC’s rights holders’ content is shown in public.
Q We have a closed-circuit television system that we use to transmit content directly into resident rooms. Do we need a license?
A Yes. The viewing of content from closed-circuit transmissions is considered a public performance and is covered under our Umbrella License.
Q We are a nonprofit organization. Do we still need a public performance license?
A Yes. The U.S. Copyright Act applies equally to nonprofit and for-profit organizations.
Q How much does the Umbrella License for senior living and healthcare communities cost?
A MPLC offers two different Umbrella License options for senior living and healthcare communities: common area exhibitions only or full coverage for when closed-circuit systems deliver content throughout the facility. Pricing for common area exhibitions only are based on total rooms or units on the campus. Pricing for full closed-circuit coverage is based on the total number of closed-circuit connections on the campus.
Q We want to license more than one community. What is the next step?
A If you wish to license multiple locations, please contact an MPLC Licensing Representative at (800) 462-8855 or www.mplc.com or info@mplc.com for pricing assistance.
Q Our community is strictly assisted living, nursing, and/or rehabilitation. Do we still need a license?
A Yes. All senior living and health care communities regardless of the level of care provided or the license status of the community require a public performance license.
Q I already have a cable or satellite business package. Do I also need an Umbrella License?
A While cable and satellite business packages include public performance rights for some content (e.g., for live sports), the packages may not include public performance rights for all the content available in the package. The Umbrella License gives you the most coverage commercially available to fill the remaining gaps, thus protecting you from claims not covered by the rights included in a business package.
Q We do not charge admission to show the content. Do we still need a license?
A A license may be required regardless of whether an admission fee is charged. In fact, the Umbrella License only covers situations where admission is not charged.
Q We are not open to the general public. Do we still need a public performance license?
A Yes. Any place where a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances is gathered, such as clubs, lodges, factories, summer camps and schools, requires a public performance license to show audiovisual content to its members or patrons with narrow and limited exceptions.
Q Are discounts available?
A Yes. Members of the following associations receive a 10% discount on the Umbrella License: American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), Argentum, LeadingAge, LifeSpan Network and the National Association for Activity Professional (NAAP).