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As I understand it, in Wildbill's example KJ #1 and #2 are in violation of the law. "Each license is granted to use on a single machine unless a "Site" or "Volume" license is purchased." Even though they have shows at different times, they are on different machines. "Since the license is granted for 'single' use by any individual or company" Having six copies is a violation, unless a "site" or "volume" license is purchased.
As I understand it, many karaoke companies do offer the "site" or "volume" license, but it wouldn't be worth it unless you ran many shows at the same time. You'd probally have to contact each company, let them know what songs you want, and see what they would charge. For just six systems, is probably cheaper to buy six CDG's. The karaoke companies would have to charge enough per song to cover many costs as well.
CD's and CDG's may not be covered under "Phonograph" copyright laws, but are covered under "software" copyright laws. When karaoke companies produce their recordings, they "copyright" their rendition, as well as pay royalties to writers and musicians. They also have to pay lyric reprint fees and obtain permission to reprint lyrics (and CDG them). Sometimes the lyrics reprint permission is not given, and the song cannot be CDG'd by the company (Like Disney songs). That is why sometimes you'll see some songs "dissappear" from libraries or get replaced by other songs. If the karaoke company continued to sell unlicensed CDG songs (without the lyrics reprint license), they are in violation of the law.
Other thoughts?
Jimbo
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