Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Indiana

Performing copyrighted works

I am a sixteen year old who would like to work playing piano at a local restaurant this summer. I would like to perform some contemporary pieces by artists such as Phil Collins or Billy Joel which are copyrighted. Can I do this without the copyright holder's permission? Thank you very much for your answers.


Asked on 6/14/06, 12:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bradley Rosen

Re: Performing copyrighted works

I am impressed that you understand that a copyright is involved. Most people do not understand this. However, you are not the person who is responsible for getting the license to publicly perform the copyrighted work, the bar owner is. All bars, clubs, arenas, stadiums and other like venues are supposed to pay a licensing fee to the three performing rights societies (ASCAP, BMI & SESAC)for the right to use compositions. This gives them a blanket license to perform works. It is also their headache, not yours, if they do not make these payments. So just relax and play.

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Answered on 6/14/06, 7:44 am


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