(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) filed 30 separate copyright infringement actions against nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in 15 states and the District of Columbia. These establishments have publicly performed the copyrighted musical works of ASCAP's songwriter, composer and music publisher members without receiving their permission to do so, resulting in lost income for these music creators.
"ASCAP is simultaneously filing these 30 actions to create awareness among music users and the public that it is a Federal offense to perform copyrighted music without permission," said Vincent Candilora, senior vice president of Licensing at ASCAP.
"Taking legal action is always ASCAP's last step in a long process of contacting, informing and educating business establishments of their obligations under the Federal Copyright Law. With many of these cases, the process has been going on for over a year, so they have had plenty of time to do the right thing."
ASCAP provides any business using music the opportunity to receive permission through acceptance of a license covering the use of over 8 million copyrighted songs and compositions. Earlier this year, ASCAP launched copyright infringement actions against 24 establishments in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Three-quarters of those cases have already been settled for the benefit of ASCAP members or are currently the subject of settlement negotiations.
"When business owners ignore their obligations and violate Federal Copyright Law, they are actually stealing from the songwriters and composers who created the music compositions that those businesses are using," said Vince Abbatiello, ASCAP vice president of Sales and Director of General Licensing. "Individual songwriters and composers are the ultimate small business people, working on their own with limited opportunity for sustained success. Many business establishments don't realize that ASCAP operates on a non-profit basis and that 86% of their license fee goes directly to ASCAP members. The balance covers ASCAP's operating cost, which is one of the lowest in the world for a performing rights organization, and the lowest by far in the U.S."
Establishments:
Fantasia (Gentlemen's Club), Huntsville, Alabama
19th Hole, Palm Desert, California
Arbor Steak & Seafood, Huntington Beach, California
Sandtrap Lounge, Rancho Cordova, California
Keeper's Gentlemens Club , Milford, Connecticut
Skyline Restaurant, Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Club Daedalus, Washington, D.C.
Jack's Bait Shack, Naples, Florida
Oceans 234, Deerfield Beach, Florida
Quench, Coconut Grove, Florida
Bogey's, Savannah, Georgia
Jamaica Jamaica, Atlanta, Georgia
Platinum 21, Atlanta, Georgia
Fairmont Shores, Lake Villa, Illinois
Gubi's , Elkhart, Indiana
Scotch & Soda, Wichita, Kansas
Kiss Cafe, Baltimore, Maryland
Wayne Road Pub, Westland, Michigan
Canal Room, New York, New York
Lizard Lounge, Bohemia, New York
Pietro's Restaurant & Lounge, East Amherst, New York
Rhone , New York, New York
D Ray's, Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Bimini Bills, Dayton, Ohio
Lucky's Grille and Billiards, Columbus, Ohio
Frederick's, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Big Daddy's, El Paso, Texas
Cube Sports Bar, Houston, Texas
O'Malley's, Corpus Christi, Texas
The After Midnight Club, Fort Worth, Texas
–Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
