The reciprocal arrangement enables PPL members to be paid for the use of their work in Azerbaijan, as well as RAYS’ performer and rightsholder members to earn royalties when their music is used in the UK. First payments from the agreement are expected from Spring 2024.
Laurence Oxenbury, PPL Director of International, said: “ As RAYS start their collection process, we will share our experience and expertise to help ensure members of both organisations are paid for their music, and, together, seek to build a stronger music licensing infrastructure in the country. The partnership with RAYS continues our mission to collect neighbouring rights royalties around the world on behalf of our members, and brings the total number of international agreements to 113.
Murad Babayev, Chairman of the General Assembly of RAYS, said: “We are very proud to be the first CMO in the country authorized to represent and protect rights of Azerbaijani musicians both in the country and abroad, and to protect the rights of foreign performers and producers of phonograms in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Being a pioneer in the field of protection of rights of performers and producers of phonograms, RAYS has gone through a challenging journey in the establishment and practical implementation of protection of neighbouring rightsholders. We express our gratitude to PPL UK as one of the leading representatives of the global community of protection of neighbouring rights for their encouragement and support to RAYS.”
