Music royalties group sues clubs, restaurants

The Wayniac · 03-25-2008, 08:51 PM

Music royalties group sues clubs, restaurants

Mon Mar 24, 7:36 PM ET

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - ASCAP, a performing rights group that collects royalties on behalf of songwriters and copyright owners, said on Monday it sued 29 nightclubs, bars and restaurants across the United States for playing music in public without a license.

The copyright infringement lawsuits were filed as "a last resort" after frequent contact with the defendants over the last one to two years, said Vincent Candilora, ASCAP's senior vp licensing.

"In most cases, they probably just figured that we would go away," Candilora told Reuters.

The group, which represents more than 315,000 members, issues licenses to more than 300,000 establishments, which on average pay about $700 every year, he said. The payment is based on a formula that determines the extent of music usage -- live or recorded music -- and the location's occupancy.

ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) files between 200 and 250 suits every year, and most are settled, Candilora said.

That will likely be the case with one of the defendants, Paulie's Upper Deck in the coastal Los Angeles suburb of Redondo Beach. A co-owner who identified himself as Tootie told Reuters he had just taken over the venue, and would probably call ASCAP to arrange payment.

"Pay 'em, or you get screwed," Tootie said, expressing frustration that he has to pay not only ASCAP, but its rivals BMI (Broadcast Music Inc) and SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors & Composers).

ASCAP represents such artists as Metallica, Joni Mitchell, Green Day, Dr. Dre and Madonna.

(Reporting by Dean Goodman)

ssspert · 03-25-2008, 09:09 PM

any venue that has a juke box, a dj or a cover band must pay that $700 fee.

buzzincuzzin · 03-25-2008, 09:53 PM

Only 29 this year is really low. The system is working better.

ssspert · 03-25-2008, 10:58 PM

cut backs.

03-25-2008, 08:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
The Wayniac Moderator Band Whore Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Mobile, AL. Posts: 884 Rep Power: 43	Music royalties group sues clubs, restaurants Music royalties group sues clubs, restaurants Mon Mar 24, 7:36 PM ET LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - ASCAP, a performing rights group that collects royalties on behalf of songwriters and copyright owners, said on Monday it sued 29 nightclubs, bars and restaurants across the United States for playing music in public without a license. The copyright infringement lawsuits were filed as "a last resort" after frequent contact with the defendants over the last one to two years, said Vincent Candilora, ASCAP's senior vp licensing. "In most cases, they probably just figured that we would go away," Candilora told Reuters. The group, which represents more than 315,000 members, issues licenses to more than 300,000 establishments, which on average pay about $700 every year, he said. The payment is based on a formula that determines the extent of music usage -- live or recorded music -- and the location's occupancy. ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) files between 200 and 250 suits every year, and most are settled, Candilora said. That will likely be the case with one of the defendants, Paulie's Upper Deck in the coastal Los Angeles suburb of Redondo Beach. A co-owner who identified himself as Tootie told Reuters he had just taken over the venue, and would probably call ASCAP to arrange payment. "Pay 'em, or you get screwed," Tootie said, expressing frustration that he has to pay not only ASCAP, but its rivals BMI (Broadcast Music Inc) and SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors & Composers). ASCAP represents such artists as Metallica, Joni Mitchell, Green Day, Dr. Dre and Madonna. (Reporting by Dean Goodman)

03-25-2008, 09:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
ssspert Band Member Productive GCB Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: wemo Posts: 1,974 Rep Power: 12	any venue that has a juke box, a dj or a cover band must pay that $700 fee. __________________ Straight Shots Myspace page My Myspace Bass page email ME for Straight Shot booking information. “Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.” James Dean

03-25-2008, 10:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
ssspert Band Member Productive GCB Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: wemo Posts: 1,974 Rep Power: 12	cut backs. __________________ Straight Shots Myspace page My Myspace Bass page email ME for Straight Shot booking information. “Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.” James Dean

03-25-2008, 09:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
buzzincuzzin Band Member Band Whore Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 99 Posts: 308 Rep Power: 28	Only 29 this year is really low. The system is working better.