Spokane, WA karaoke bar getting sued

[Lonman]

http://www.krem.com/topstories/stori...t.9027bf5.html
http://www.krem.com/video/featured-i...ml?nvid=205544
Supposedly for copyright infringement? Playing songs that they had no right, the bar claims they bought all their music legit.
5 songs that are targeted are
Give Me One Reason - Tracy Chapman
Toxic - Britney Spears
I Feel Lucky - Mary Chapin Carpenter
Luka - Suzanne Vega
Queen Of Hearts - Juice Newton

Sam have you anything on this, or do you know by chance if the bar was using original discs or not - it says all music was purchased legally, but doesn't state if it was computerized or anything more?

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Lonman

http://www.krem.com/topstories/stori...t.9027bf5.html
http://www.krem.com/video/featured-i...ml?nvid=205544
Supposedly for copyright infringement? Playing songs that they had no right, the bar claims they bought all their music legit.
5 songs that are targeted are
Give Me One Reason - Tracy Chapman
Toxic - Britney Spears
I Feel Lucky - Mary Chapin Carpenter
Luka - Suzanne Vega
Queen Of Hearts - Juice Newton

Sam have you anything on this, or do you know by chance if the bar was using original discs or not - it says all music was purchased legally, but doesn't state if it was computerized or anything more?

Maybe they just didn't pay their dues to the "whoever" collects them from bars?

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by bryant

Maybe they just didn't pay their dues to the "whoever" collects them from bars?

Yeah but that would publishing issues (which is probably the case), not copyright. Copyright infringement is generally having to do with copying music without permission - not playing them.

[ddouglass]

That is what it sounds like to me. He probably didn't get his licenses from BMI or ASCAP to have karaoke in his bar. This will probably end up settled out of court with him paying the license fee.

[mindonstrike]

Wow! I havn't heard of this case. I've been to the bar a few times many years ago. Used to have a KJ who was an Elvis impersonator.
I'll try to do some asking around.

Sam

[WDEWDAD7]

Hey Sam, I used to go the Studio K, and have played there when I had my band( and running karaoke). I know the owners, unless it has changed hands. They hire a KJ, so, it would seem the KJ would be the one to have some explaining to do. The last one they had there DID have a computer. But, I do not know, nor did I ask, where he got his music. If it is the same one, he also did karaoke for Scott Lanes at Hotteez, and at Casey's. This is the last I know of. Real interested in how this turns out. I still know a lot of KJs in Spokane. Plus, this may spread throughout the Northwest. I'm really curious who this guy is who came in the bar and asked about the music. Is he a "headhunter" looking for violations? Or, just someone who was upset about something. Stay in touch, Daryl.

[ddouglass]

It is not the KJ's or Band's or DJ's place to have a license from ASCAP or BMI but the establishment's owner.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by bryant

Maybe they just didn't pay their dues to the "whoever" collects them from bars?

Oh.

[swany]

One of them deals where somebody brings in a disc and says can you play this (and the sting is on), then the next night asks for the same song and they have it. Like as not a dummy downloads to MP3 and gets stung. I do like hoster for that feature of blowing out the track. When ever I get asked of a song and don't have it I just write it down. Get it legally as soon as possible, I do have one heck of a lot of music I've purchased in many different places but it's all on a CD. One day at an estate sale I bought a bushel basket full of CDs mostly classical and blues. I have bought out 5 DJ & KJs who were retiring that had never went PC, plus all the extras I've bought since and before. Good lord I've got a walk in closet full of 256 CD holders on six shelves including the floor 4 ft long and a bunch in my barn. I'm glad I don't own a club.