Performing Rights

Performing rights refer to the legal rights of creators and owners of music, plays, and other performances to control how their work is used in public settings. When music is played in venues like restaurants, radio, or television, the creators—such as songwriters and composers—are entitled to receive compensation. Organizations known as performing rights organizations (PROs) help collect and distribute these royalties to the creators. Essentially, performing rights ensure that artists are fairly paid when their works are shared or performed publicly, protecting their intellectual property and encouraging creativity.