FPRA is a non-profit organisation which was established in 1993 to administer the performing rights of its’ local composer and songwriter members. Under a licence agreement with APRA AMCOS (Australasian Performing Right Association), FPRA also represents the performing rights of over 2 million foreign composers whenever their musical works are performed or communicated to the public throughout the Fiji Islands.
In Fiji, and numerous countries around the world, composers and songwriters are given a number of exclusive legal rights to protect their intellectual property and allow them to make a living from their creativity. Amongst other things, the Fiji Copyright Act (1999) grants composers the right to control the public performance, broadcast and/or communication of their music. A public performance is generally defined as a performance which occurs outside of the domestic environment whereas a broadcast or communication to the public can occur when musical works are transmitted by a radio/television station, played across the internet or over the telephone as music on hold.
Through direct agreements with its members and reciprocal arrangements with overseas performing right societies, FPRA is able to administer the public performance, broadcast and communication rights in relation to musical works throughout the Fiji Islands. FPRA’s twin aims are to ensure that:
1.Licences for the exercise of performing rights in music are accessible and as reasonable as possible – with the result that legal compliance with the copyright law is as widespread as it can be; and
2.songwriters and composers are paid the royalties to which they are entitled as quickly and efficiently as possible.
If you are using music in your business please refer to the music users section of this website. Please note that a public performance or communication of musical works without the licence or permission form the copyright owner(s) may constitute both a civil and criminal offence under the Fiji Copyright Act 1999.
Membership Level: Associate
Categories: Suva
