Scope
Reference
project_44719
Description
The Motion Picture Licensing Company (MPLC) provides a Blanket Licence that legally authorises the public performance of copyrighted audiovisual works-films, TV programmes, streaming clips, and training videos-in non-domestic environments. This is required under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, particularly after the 2016 amendment to Section 72, which removed exemptions for films in public settings.
Purpose and Legal Requirement
The licence ensures compliance for organisations showing audiovisual content in workplaces, stations, depots, or staff areas.
Activities such as streaming YouTube or TED Talks during safety briefings, or displaying news feeds on office TVs, count as public performance and require MPLC licensing.
Other licences like TV Licence or PRS/PPL do not cover these uses.
Contract 1. Blanket Audio-visual Copyright Licence
Supplier
Contract value
- £864,138.40 excluding VAT
- £1,036,966.08 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
15 December 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 15 December 2025 to 30 September 2030
- 4 years, 9 months, 17 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79120000 - Patent and copyright consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Utilities
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
- Single supplier - technical reasons
Exclusive Rights - Sole Supplier
MPLC (Motion Picture Licensing Company) is the only provider of the blanket licence for public performance of films and TV content in non-domestic settings under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 - No alternative suppliers offer equivalent coverage.
Legal Obligation
Since the 2016 amendment to Section 72 CDPA, exemptions for film broadcasts in public spaces were removed. Organisations like Network Rail must hold an MPLC licence to avoid copyright infringement.
This is a statutory requirement, similar to a TV licence, making competitive tendering irrelevant because the licence is a legal necessity
Supplier
MOTION PICTURE LICENSING COMPANY LIMITED
- Companies House: 08087372
MPLC House, 22-24 Gildredge Road
Eastbourne
BN21 4SA
United Kingdom
Telephone: 01323 649647
Email: ukinfo@mplc.com
Region: UKJ22 - East Sussex CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Blanket Audio-visual Copyright Licence
Contracting authority
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNZN-9524-VCQJ
Waterloo General Office
London
SE1 8SW
United Kingdom
Contact name: Edward Mayhew
Email: edward.mayhew@networkrail.co.uk
Website: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/
Region: UKI45 - Lambeth
Organisation type: Public authority - central government