Ohio Bars Sued For Copyright Infringement Due To Music Violations

A Covington, OH bar is one of several establishments nationwide that are facing copyright infringement lawsuits from The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. According to the lawsuit, the Strasse Haus in Covington’s Main Strasse Village and 12 other establishments have been performing copyrighted musical works for their customers without purchasing a license to do so.

Businesses using copyrighted music can legally do so by obtaining a license that covers a collection of more than 19 million songs. License fees total less than $2 per day, the association said in a news release.

However, according to the press release put out by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, the defendants are alleged to have refused to obtain a license despite the association’s efforts to offer licenses and educate the establishments on federal copyright law.

Strass Haus is accused of allowing their license to lapse in December 2021, according to the  lawsuit, but still continued to perform musical works by the association’s members publicly. According to the association, they made numerous attempts to contact the bar’s ownership to renew the license but were rebuffed each time.

Penalties for the owners

The owners of the establishments that are being sued by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers can face significant penalties for every violation of copyright law they performed at their establishment without the required licensure. The lawsuit states that Strasse Hause “knowingly and intentionally” violated copyright law by playing four copyrighted songs without permission. The association is asking for damages between $750 and $30,000, court costs, and for the court to block the use of the association’s songs in the future.

The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers licenses the public performances of its members’ songs, collects license fees, and distributes the royalties to nearly $1 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers that it represents. It is unlawful to play copyrighted music in a public venue without the proper licensing.

A business can be sued by The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers and face fines of up to $30,000 per violation if the violation is willful. The association is claiming that these bars willfully violated their copyright. This means that the judgments are likely to be at the higher end of the spectrum. Strass Haus, which is accused of 4 copyright violations, could face a maximum judgment of $120,000.

Is Your Business Being Sued? Contact Kohl & Cook Immediately 

Kohl & Cook Law Firm, LLC represents the interests of the businesses that are being sued for copyright infringement. You could face money judgments against your business in the amount of $30,000 per violation paid to the aggrieved party, plus court fees and attorneys’ fees. Call our Columbus consumer lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can help you settle or fight the allegations against you.

Source:

cincinnati.com/story/news/2024/03/06/strasse-haus-faces-copyright-infringement-claim-over-use-of-music/72852449007/