Aunc.3359
net.followup
utzoo!decvax!duke!unc!smb
Wed Apr 28 09:41:29 1982
Re: Re: Watch it!!!

The case under discussion was brought against the GAP by ASCAP, an
organization of composers, music publishers, etc.  The primary purpose
of ASCAP (and a few groups like it, such as BMI, I think) is to act
as a clearinghouse for royalties on musical works.  Briefly, it's
recognized that it's impossible to compensate composers on a per-play
basis; instead, clubs, etc., pay a royalty license fee (based on
attendance and/or size, I think) to ASCAP each year for the privilege
of playing copyrighted music.  ASCAP claimed -- and the court agreed -- that
the GAP fell into this category, and so would be required to buy a
license.