Performing rights organizations (PROs) in the U.S. and similar collective management organizations or “collecting societies” in other countries collect money on behalf of songwriters and music publishers from any and all users of copyrighted music, including broadcasters, streaming services, and commercial establishments which publicly perform music. There are four PROs operating in the United States: The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), SESAC, and Global Music Rights (GMR).
Why Does My Business Have to Pay PROs License Fees?
Under U.S. copyright law, any time a song is performed in a public business environment or event (including non-profit venues), the songwriter and/or music publisher who controls that musical composition is entitled to remuneration for that performance and a license must be obtained.
If the Rockbot Music service is the sole source of music in your facility, and you use Rockbot in adherence with the Rockbot Subscriber Terms of Service, Rockbot covers all applicable licensing fees for your facility. However, if you use music from any other sources such as a live band, a personal music collection, a device playing a consumer music streaming service, a DJ, or a television, you are required to obtain additional licenses from the PROs.
If you have any questions, please submit a Rockbot Request Ticket or give us a call at (415) 813-6020 x1