IHRSA Releases Resource to help Clubs Navigate Music Copyright Issues
Posted: February 12, 2019 in IHRSA
IHRSA: Success By Association
BOSTON, MA – The U.S. Copyright Act of 1976 makes it illegal to play copyrighted material in businesses, like health clubs, without the consent of the copyright owner. Music copyright laws can be confusing. Simply buying a CD or purchasing a streaming music subscription may not be enough to protect a health club or fitness business from inaccurate interpretations or unfair enforcement of the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976. To help clubs navigate the murky waters surrounding music copyright law, The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has released a legal briefing paper on the topic.
This Music Copyright Briefing Paper, free for IHRSA Members, will help clarify concerns that club operators have, and provide answers to the following questions, and many more:
- Are clubs required to pay copyright fees?
- How are they enforced?
- How are the costs of a music license for clubs determined?
- Am I legally obligated to pay for a music licensing fee to every performance rights organization (PRO)?
- What about music for use in classes?
- What about streaming services?
- What is IHRSA doing about music copyright fees?
Note: IHRSA based this paper on US law. For questions about copyright law and developments outside the US, please contact IHRSA.
While IHRSA recognizes the validity of the Copyright Act of 1976, IHRSA is committed to protecting IHRSA members from inaccurate interpretations and unfair enforcement of the law. Therefore, IHRSA has negotiated group licensing fees for IHRSA members with BMI and ASCAP to help IHRSA Members get the best deal possible on their licensing fees.
