p2pnet.net News:- ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, has filed 24 copyright infringement actions against nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in 15 US states and the District of Columbia.

Their crime?

They’ve, “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”.

ASCAP points out that it’s achieved a 100% “success” rate with its copyright suits, resulting in either a cash settlement or a judgment in favor of ASCAP members.

“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,” says ASCAP’s Vince Abbatiello sternly.

Does this mean the organization is about to follow in the footsteps of Canada’s SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) which wants to gouge doctors and dentists while their patients relax to the sound of music?

In the meanwhile, ASCAP’s investigators have to be praised for their diligence in touring bars and restaurants across the US, looking for establishments to sue.

In their sights so far are: Challengers, Pelham, AL; Back Porch, Tuscalossa, AL; Hard Dock Cafe, Decatur, AL; Saddlerack, Chandler, AZ; Josh Slocum’s, Newport Beach, CA; Joe’s Cafe, Branford, CT; Home Nightclub, Washington, DC; Jade, Miami Beach, FL; Estate (f/k/a Nocturnal), Chicago, IL; Hundred South Grille a/k/a 100 South Chop House, Elmhurst, IL; Le Passage/Yow Bar, Chicago, IL; Costello’s, Jamaica Plain, MA; Buffalo Billiards, Gaithersburg, MD; American Sports Cafe, St. Paul, MN; Buffalo Tap & Grille, Savage, MN; Soulard Ale House, St. Louis, MO; Gilligan’s, Surf City, NC; J. Lindsay’s, Columbus, OH; Denim, Philadelphia, PA; R.P. McMurphy’s, Holmes, PA; Wolfy’s, Nashville, TN; Happy Town Karaoke, Houston, TX; OUI Club, Wichita Falls, TX; and, Scuttlebutts Restaurant and Bar, Lubbock, TX.

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See:-
gouge - Just say Ahhhhhh, p2pnet, July 26, 2004

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