Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Idaho
Is it legal to play downloaded media in a common area of our business?
Our store is installing large plasma screens throughout our facility. We are planning on playing video content over these screens during our business day. Is it legal to play copyrighted/licensed materials (i.e. Spongebob cartoons or music videos), over these screens if they are legally purchased?
The screens will be in our common areas and no fee is charged for admittance. The screens will be in aeas only to enhance the overall experience, they are by no means a main attraction in themselves.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Is it legal to play downloaded media in a common area of our business?
What you are doing is not a good idea.
Re: Is it legal to play downloaded media in a common area of our business?
No, it is if condsidered a "public performance" under copyright law, and you could be sued by ASCAP or other firms which enforce private copyrights if discovered.