Licensing organizations aren’t letting up. The push is on to collect fees (and in some case penalties) for playing music on hold. It is your responsibility to know how music on hold licensing fees work. Here is a letter just received by one of our clients in Chicago, requesting “payment of fees”.
Note: This company will not need to pay, of course, because they use Easy On Hold for professional music on hold service.
“I have recently written and contacted you concerning our offer of the ASCAP license to authorize the performance of copyrighted music in your business. As of today’s mail, we have not received your signed license agreement and payment of fees.
It is important for you to remember that the performance of any copyrighted music in a public establishment must have the permission of the copyright owner, that is, the songwriter or publisher. ASCAP represents the majority of the world’s most popular music, so our license is the easiest way for you to secure that permission.
The enclosed brochure explains your rights and responsibilities under the copyright law. If you or your attorney have questions that remain unanswered by our literature, please do not hesitate to contact me at the number below.
Otherwise, please sign the enclosed license agreement and send it to us with fees as specified on the invoice. An executed copy of the agreement will be returned to you.
For your convenience, you may pay your ASCAP license fees by fax. Simply complete the credit/debit card information on the invoice and fax it, along with both pages of your signed license agreement, to (615) 691-7724. You may also pay fees by phone by calling me at the number below and providing me with the appropriate checking account information.
Sincerely,
ASCAP, PO Box 331608-7515, Nashville, TN 37203-9998
