Music Licensing Enforcement: How SESAC, GMR, ASCAP & BMI Protect the Rights of Music Creators

A Note About Music Copyright Enforcement

Music copyright enforcement should concern every business that plays music for its customers. Simply downloading a playlist, playing the radio or using your personal streaming account doesn’t give you legal permission to play music in your business. Commercial enterprises must have specific licenses to play music. Otherwise, you could face a music licensing enforcement action costing your business thousands of dollars.

That’s why SiriusXM Music for Business provides such a valuable service. A subscription with us ensures all your music is legal and licensed.

Who Enforces Copyright Laws for Music?

ASCAP

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) was founded in 1914 and is the oldest PRO in the U.S. It’s the only American PRO created and controlled by writers, composers and music publishers. It represents more than 940,000 members and over 18 million compositions.

BMI

Founded in 1939, BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) entered the scene to represent songwriters and publishers who were not yet affiliated with existing rights organizations. With a vast and diverse catalog that spans genres and eras, BMI is the largest U.S. PRO. It manages the rights to more than 22 million musical works by 1.4 million songwriters, composers and music publishers.

SESAC

Established in 1930, SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers) primarily began to represent European songwriters in the United States. It licenses over 1 million songs for more than 30,000 members.

GMR

A relative newcomer in the field, GMR (Global Music Rights) emerged in 2013 with a fresh perspective on representing songwriters and composers. Its repertoire includes more than 95,000 songs.

Dealing with the various PROs can be confusing. Some songs are licensed by more than one PRO if, for instance, the songwriter belongs to one organization and the composer is a member of another. SiriusXM Music for Business cuts through the confusion. You can rest assured that all the music we offer is appropriately licensed.

Vigilance Through Visits

One of the PROs’ most direct methods is the good old-fashioned visit. Representatives often drop by various establishments to document the music they play. These visits can be scheduled or surprise checks, ensuring businesses maintain continuous compliance.

The Digital Ear

In our tech-savvy age, digital tracking plays a significant role in monitoring music usage. These organizations have equipped themselves with tools that can identify songs being played in real time, allowing them to cross-check if the establishment holds the required license for that particular track.

The Public’s Role in Protecting Artists

While the PROs are proactive, they also value the public’s voice. Tips, feedback and reports from individuals are pivotal in bringing potential infringements to light. The community becomes an ally in upholding the rights of music creators.

You never know when a PRO might be listening in. That’s why it’s essential to subscribe to a streaming music service like SiriusXM Music for Business. When you partner with us, you know you’re getting legal, fully licensed music.

Music Licensing Enforcement in Action

Music, while an intangible art form, carries tangible responsibilities. When a business sidesteps these responsibilities, the PROs move in to balance the scales. What happens when a company is suspected of playing unlicensed music? Let’s explore the repercussions.

• Courtesy letters or initial inquiries — When a PRO begins its process, it usually starts with a subtle push. It may send a letter explaining the importance of music licensing, inquiring about the business’s licensing status or offering guidance on securing a license.
• Infringement notices — If it seems a business is airing music without the needed licenses, the PRO may take things up a notch with an infringement notice. This communication will be more straightforward, highlighting the perceived infraction and emphasizing the urgency to rectify it.
• Demand letters — This is where matters become grave. If the prior alerts are disregarded or the unauthorized use of music persists, a demand letter could be next. This will unmistakably outline the breaches and call for precise measures, often encompassing the settlement of overdue licensing charges.
• Legal action and fines — Overlooking these urgent letters can land business owners in court. In this scenario, businesses could be slapped with significant penalties levied on a per-song, per-day basis. Fines start at $750 per infringement and can soar to more than $100,000 if the violation is found to be willful.

There’s no guarantee that a PRO will follow these measures. It could decide to immediately proceed to court without issuing a letter. Music licensing enforcement actions aren’t a hypothetical situation. ASCAP regularly files actions against businesses it believes are infringing against music copyrights.

Plus, we provide an outstanding lineup of musical choices featuring 240+ professionally curated channels and over 10,000 Pandora artist stations. Whatever our musical inclinations, you’ll find a good fit with our offerings. And the cost, at just $26.95 per month, is much more affordable than the often stiff fines for music copyright infringement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Music Licensing Enforcement

As a leading streaming music provider, SiriusXM Music for Business is uniquely situated to provide information about music licensing enforcement. Read the following questions, and feel free to contact us for more details.

Are There Any Benefits or Drawbacks to Playing the Radio Versus Obtaining Separate Licenses From Performing Rights Organizations Like ASCAP or BMI?

Unless your business is under a specific square footage, there is no benefit to playing the radio. For most companies, playing the radio requires a license, just like any other musical performance.

What Happens If You Use Music Without a License?

Using music without a license can result in court action and substantial fines.

How Do I Avoid Paying For Music Licensing?

You can avoid paying for music licensing by playing original compositions or songs in the public domain. However, these can be hard to track down and document.

How Much Does ASCAP Cost Per Year?

ASCAP’s annual fees range from less than $300 to over $35,000. But just having an ASCAP license doesn’t cover all your bases. To be safe, you need a license from each of the major PROs.