To legally use copyrighted music in the UK, you must first become a member of MCPS-PRS by applying for membership. Once a member, you can then apply for a DVD1 license which allows use of any music in that category as long as the artist is notified a week in advance. Royalty rates for use vary based on the type of DVD and whether using the published dealer or retail price. While MCPS-PRS licensing is comparatively inexpensive, alternatives include composing original music or obtaining direct permission from artists through organizations like Copyleft.

1. Copyright In The UK

2. Mission Statement For MCPS-PRS “We represent the world's music - that's 10 million pieces of music - and enable businesses and individuals to access all the music they need for use in their business, product or project in the most effective way.”

3. Applying For Licensed Music You must first apply to the MCPS-PRS for membership in order to be able use any work which is registered under the MCP-PRS. Once you have become a MCPS member, you can apply for a DVD1 license. Once you obtain the DVD1 license, you can use any material located within that belt. You must however notify the author of the material at least a week before it is used.

4. Royalty Rates Category A (DVD singles) - 8.5% of Published Dealer Price, or 6.5% of Retail Price Category B (Hybrid DVDs) - 7.25% of Published Dealer Price, or 5.54% of Retail Price Category C (DVD-Video albums) - 6.25% of Published Dealer Price, or 4.78 of Retail Price

5. Other Avenues And Reducing Costs The MCPS-PRS are comparatively cheap, it is generally a good idea to use their service to evade copyright infringement. Another way is to compose music yourself. Obviously this requires a much higher work load and a musical ability which not everyone has. A final alternative is an organisation called ‘Copyleft’ for which you must ask the permission of the artist directly.