Discussion:
What is the name of your state?South Carolina
We run a gymnastics school. For the past several months the SESAC has been hounding us that we MUST buy a license from them. We play the radio in the gym area and a TV for the parents in the waiting area. They claim that because our students must pay a fee for classes that we are charging a fee for public performances and we must purchase a license. In my reading of the Copyright Law it seems to state that an establishment that plays the radio or TV with less than 6 speakers (4 in one room) or TV smaller than 55" is not subject to this. Am I reading this wrong ? (110 Section 5 A & B) This seems like strong arm tactic to make money.
Answer:
What is the name of your state?South Carolina
We run a gymnastics school. For the past several months the SESAC has been hounding us that we MUST buy a license from them. We play the radio in the gym area and a TV for the parents in the waiting area. They claim that because our students must pay a fee for classes that we are charging a fee for public performances and we must purchase a license. In my reading of the Copyright Law it seems to state that an establishment that plays the radio or TV with less than 6 speakers (4 in one room) or TV smaller than 55" is not subject to this. Am I reading this wrong ? (110 Section 5 A & B) This seems like strong arm tactic to make money. Ask them to prove to you that you need to purchase a license, in light of 17 USC 110(5)(A) and (B). As long as what you are playing is broadcast radio and broadcast TV, and the radio is essentially a home stereo type of setup, there is no infringement.