Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Florida

Music/Entertainment

We are a small not for profit, over age 55 community. We have several shows each year and have been getting solicitations from performing arts organizations that say we need to be covered if we have performances...even disc jockeys. We currently have ASCAP. Do we need any more coverage? We haven't been able to find a lawyer in Fort Myers that knows about copyright/music law and everything I find on the internet seems to be aimed at the musicians and publishers. Can you give us some advice? It sounds like we can get fined a considerable amount of money. Thank you!


Asked on 5/16/07, 6:34 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Johm Smith tom's

Re: Music/Entertainment

We can consult with you on this and any other issues you have.

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Answered on 5/16/07, 7:18 pm
Steven Mark Steven Paul Mark, Attorney at Law

Re: Music/Entertainment

ASCAP is one of the two main performing rights societies that collect what is called "public performance royalties" which are then paid to the publishers of the music and divided with the writers. Depending upon which songs you are using, you may need licenses from BMI (the other main society), SESAC and, perhaps, others. Disc jockeys would be responsible to pay these amounts if they have contracted with you to do so. You can use your ASCAP license, if it is affordable, as a model when you contact BMI, etc. You don't need a local lawyer as what you are describing can be accomplished by any copyright/music attorney in any state.

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Answered on 5/16/07, 11:14 pm


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