WASHINGTON, DC (Hypebot) –
ASCAP sent a collection letter to Jason Calacanis seeking payment for YouTube videos embedded on his Mahalo site. Based on what the group told Valleywag, many music bloggers should also be concerned:
"ASCAP does not offer licenses to – or require licenses from – those who simply make their personal blogs available on purely noncommercial Web sites. Mahalo.com is a larger venture than simply a personal blog, and therefore ASCAP is engaged in discussions with Mr. Calacanis concerning the use of ASCAP members' music on the site."
It's not the first time that ASCAP has sent such letters. So far YouTube has told recipients to refer the group back to them. But recently a judge ruled Google owed ASCAP $1.6 million and a court battle continues. But how long will Google continue to defend bloggers who post thousands of videos with music daily?
