Ohio Bar Sued For Playing Music Without A License
A Cincinnati-area country music venue is facing a serious copyright lawsuit after being accused of not paying the proper license to play music at its events. The venue could have to pay up to $90,000 in fines to record companies represented by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, also known as ASCAP, depending on the outcome of a federal lawsuit filed against the venue recently.
According to ASCAP’s lawsuit, the venue played three of its songs without a license to do so during a night before Thanksgiving 90s tribute show last year. The three songs were performed by a cover band that night. They included “Creep” by Radiohead, “Midnight in Montgomery” by Alan Jackson, and “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde” by Travis Tritt.
ASCAP is a membership association of more than one million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. It licenses its catalog of music to venues across the United States, paying back roughly 90% as royalties. Licensing fees vary from one business to the next, but the association said it averages less than $2 per day for standard bars and restaurants, totaling $730 per year.
ASCAP said it made more than 100 attempts to contact the venue and its owners to negotiate getting a license to perform its songs. Their lawsuit contends that the owners refused all of the association’s offers. The owners could not be contacted for comment.
ASCAP’s lawsuit against the aforementioned venue comes as the association announced 14 other lawsuits against various bars, restaurants, and music venues across the country. A Cleveland venue was also sued last week as part of ASCAP’s efforts.
ASCAP lawsuits and civil defense
Businesses that feature live performers or play music over their loud speakers need to purchase a license to do so legally. If you don’t, you can be accused of copyright infringement which carries very stiff financial penalties. In addition, ASCAP generally files federal lawsuits which are a matter of public record and easy to find with a Google search. If you find yourself in a dispute with ASCAP, you should contact a copyright IP defense lawyer to help you resolve the matter. ASCAP aggressively pursues businesses that refuse to purchase a license after multiple attempts at resolving the matter. You don’t want to be the defendant in a federal lawsuit filed against you.
Talk to a Dayton, OH Copyright Infringement Attorney Today
Kohl & Cook Law Firm, LLC represents the interests of Ohio businesses that are facing lawsuits filed by ASCAP or other agencies that protect the copyrighted materials of artists and performers. Call our Columbus consumer lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin negotiating on your behalf right away.
Source:
cincinnati.com/story/news/2025/03/09/west-chester-bar-loris-roadhouse-sued-after-playing-unlicensed-songs/82140686007/
