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Permalink Reply by Clayton Benjamin Burton on January 23, 2009 at 10:44am

That's probably because SOCAN, the "music police" in Canada, aren't as aggressive as ASCAP and BMI are in the U.S. Just Google them: you'll see them suing small businesses for copyright infringement right and left and getting huge judgments.

Permalink Reply by Clayton Benjamin Burton on January 23, 2009 at 10:47am

You're close but a little too broad with that statement. We have a simple tool available to help determine if the exemption applies:

http://www.siriusforbusiness.com/royalties.php

John Owens said:

Janice:

You are partially correct. Most restaurateurs are required by the Copyright Act to pay performance-related organizations for license agreements for the privilege to play music. However, restaurants under 3,750 gross square feet are exempt from paying royalties on radio and television music only (Public Law No. 105-298, which amended 17 U.S.C. 110(5).).

NOTICE, this ONLY applies to radio and TV music. If you'd like to play your CDs or use your iPod, you are required to pay licensing fees.



Janice said:

Actually, I am pretty sure that any type of retail establishment under 3750 square feet doesn't have to worry about paying out licensing fees. Its called the "Fairness in Music Licensing Act". Basically, you can play songs off your Ipod and its not breaking any law.

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