ASCAP Initiates Lawsuit for Playing Copyrighted Music

Are you a business owner or manager? Are you aware it is illegal to play copyrighted music on the premises (for example, music on hold, in-store music) without a music license? If you already know the the importance of playing music legally, but have been holding off getting a music license because of the cost, you should consider royalty free music as an alternative. Unlike the majority of music licenses, royalty free music cost a one-time low fee. You are then free to use the music as many times, in a many ways, for as long as you like. Regular music licenses like needle drop licensing usually have strict guidelines on how the music is to be used, and charge fees base on demographic, 'attendees', geographic use, medium, etc as well as addition royalties.

If you are hesitant to use royalty free music because you believe customers only want to hear popular music, you should know royalty free music is as well produced, composed and appealing as any music heard on the radio today. Because the demand for royalty free music is rapidly growing, royalty free music libraries like Opuzz have been working hard to provide a good selection of hi-quality royalty free music.

It is really important to get your music legally, especially today as the music industry is coming down hard on those who flaunt the law or even plead ignorence. Last week in Seattle two dozen venues were cited in a lawsuit by ASCAP for failing to properly license their music. This need not happen to you especially since obtaining music legally is easy and inexpensive with royalty free music.

Hold Onto Your Clients with Music On Hold

A lot of companies today are implementing music on hold in their call management systems as a way of promoting their business with theme appropriate music, for example, if the business is a trendy clothing store they may play hip-hop or techno music. Music on hold is also a away of keeping the person on hold from becoming impatient or bored and as a result hanging up, potentially costing the company a client.

You should know however that if you’re looking to implement music on hold in your company’s call management system you must obtain your music legally. Playing certain songs or music on your call management system can be considered illegal since most music purchased is meant for private use, and the fines imposed on companies who use music illegally can be very high.

Fortunately there are legal ways to obtain background music; music services, licensing agreements and royalty free music. These services can vary in price, with royalty free music being one of the least expensive and most popular. Unlike licensing fees which are complicated to obtain and often charge additional money on top of their fee, using royalty free music only costs you a one time fee and you are then free to use the music any way you want, as often as you want. If you are considering music on hold and want more info check out this article ’Music On Hold : Let The Music Play', and find out what music on hold can do for your company.