Did your phone hardware installer hook up a radio to play on your hold button? It happens; and when it does, it creates a violation of U.S. Copyright Law.
Should phone installers know about legal application of music on hold? Yes. It’s right in the system administration manual of all major telephone system manufacturers. Here are some examples of how phone system providers issue music on hold copyright warnings:
TOSHIBA
Important Notice — Music-On-Hold
In accordance with U.S. Copyright Law, a license may be required from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, or other similar organization, if radio or TV broadcasts are transmitted through the music-onhold feature of this telecommunication system. Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., strongly recommends not using radio or television broadcasts and hereby disclaims any liability arising out of the failure to obtain such a license.
NORTEL
Use of a music source: In accordance with US, Canadian and international copyright laws, a license may be required from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, or other composers’ or performing rights organization if Radio, TV or other broadcasts to the public are transmitted through the Music On Hold or Background Music features of this telecommunication System.
SAMSUNG
5.4 MUSIC ON HOLD WARNING – IMPORTANT NOTICE: In accordance with US copyright laws, a license may be required from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) or other similar organizations if copyright music is trans-mitted through the Music on Hold feature. SAMSUNG TELECOMMUNICATIONS AMERICA hereby disclaims any liability arising out of failure to obtain such a license.
NEC
Note: In accordance with U.S. copyright law, a license may be required from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) or other similar organizations, if radio, television broadcasts or music other than material not in the public domain are transmitted through the Music on Hold feature of telecommunications systems. NEC Unified Solutions, Inc. hereby disclaims any liability arising out of the failure to obtain such a license.
IWATSU
Music-On-Hold—In accordance with U.S. Copyright Law, a license may be required from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers or other similar organizations, if radio or TV broadcasts are transmitted through the music-on-hold feature of the telecommunications system. ICON Voice Networks and/or its Third Party manufacturers/suppliers hereby disclaim any liability arising out of unlawful and/or unauthorized utilization use of the music-on-hold feature.
PANASONIC
Preface – Requirements
In accordance with U.S. Copyright Law, a license may be required from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), or other similar organization, if radio or TV broadcasts are transmitted through the music-on-hold connection on this DBS 576 product. Panasonic Information & Communications Company/Business Telephones Systems Division, hereby disclaims any liability arising out of failure to obtain such a License.
The solution to legal music on hold is to use a qualified provider, such as Easy On Hold. Easy On Hold pays music licensing on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry.
