Public Performance Rights (PPR) are the legal rights to publicly show a film or video (media). Normally the media producer or distributor manages these rights and may include PPR in the purchase price. Occasionally, the rights-holder may assign PPR using a separate Public Performance License.
The Federal Copyright Act (Title 17 of the US Code) requires PPR for public viewing of copyrighted media outside of the regular curriculum, regardless of whether there is an admission fee. Examples include:
- film festivals
- meetings, programs, and events on campus
- movie nights sponsored by student or other groups
The ASU Library does not routinely acquire PPR when purchasing media for our collections. However, we will secure PPR when requested by departments, centers, schools and colleges for viewings at university events. Media with public performance rights are noted in the “description” field of ASU library records with the note: “Includes public performance rights.”
PPR are not required for private, home viewing, nor for showing media as part of standard curricular and face-to-face teaching activities. Examples of these exceptions include:
- individual viewing
- home viewing with family and friends
- classroom viewing
- viewing in small groups, such as in a group study room
For more information about public performance rights, see: Title 17 of the United States Code, Chapter 1, Section 110.