Independence, Missouri Dive Bar Suffers Music Industry Lawsuit

Sadly, the music biz doesn't really have many "fair use" stipulations and this is why there's a very real benefit of SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTISTS who don't sing cover tunes.

OR the cost of doing biz is actually pretty low . . .

The average BMI music license for a business costs between $400 and $250 per year. And that probably covers most dank local dive bars.

Check a quick look at what could be a costly court battle . . .

"Earlier this month Broadcast Music Inc., or BMI, filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Missouri against Score Sports Bar & Grill at 9100 E. 35th Street for allegedly playing songs without buying a license from the company. It is suing under the federal Copyright Act, which requires businesses to obtain permission to play copyrighted works."

A bit of insight from a TKC reader . . . 

"Happens every so often - places think the notices are a rip off. They don't realize that BMI/ASCAP are in the right, will pursue them, and win!"

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Music company claims Independence bar is playing its songs without a license: lawsuit

An Independence sports bar and live music venue is being sued in federal court by a New York-based music license company for allegedly playing songs without paying for the rights. Earlier this month Broadcast Music Inc., or BMI, filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Missouri against Score Sports Bar & Grill at 9100 E.