ASCAP files copyright infringment lawsuits against 12 venues nationwide

ASCAP Takes Legal Action Against 12 Venues Nationwide That Infringe on Songwriters’ Copyrights by Performing Their Musical Works Without Permission

NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2018 -- The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced today that it has filed 12 separate copyright infringement actions against bars and restaurants nationwide, arising out of the unauthorized public performance of its members’ copyrighted musical works.

ASCAP is a membership association that operates on a non-profit basis and represents more than 680,000 independent songwriters, composers and music publishers. ASCAP ensures its members can earn a living from their art by licensing the public performances of their songs, collecting those license fees, and distributing royalties to its members. Nearly 88% of the license fees ASCAP collects go directly to songwriters, composers and music publishers as royalties.

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