If your use of music is consistent with the Terms and Conditions of the Rockbot Subscriber Agreement, Rockbot covers all licensing fees. We will help you understand what's happening.
ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR often use commissioned representatives to help them enforce their legal rights to obtain income from music performances in commercial establishments. Unfortunately, some of these representatives occasionally make inaccurate legal statements regarding your need for an additional license. Here are some guidelines to help:
- Rest assured that you are covered for all the music Rockbot provides, assuming you’re adhering to the limitations in our Subscriber Terms. Simply identify yourself to the Performing Rights Organization (PRO) rep as a Rockbot customer and provide the dates of your Rockbot subscription. If the representative asks for verification, contact Rockbot customer service here, and we’ll send you a Statement of Coverage Certificate showing your dates of service to provide to the representative.
- If Rockbot is not the sole music source in your facility, you’ll need to work with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to obtain a direct license for the other music uses. If your letter concerns use outside the scope of the Rockbot coverage, please email us, and we can provide recommendations on what to do and legal resources.
What are the common scenarios that put a commercial establishment outside of the scope of the coverage available from Rockbot, requiring you to obtain a direct license from ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or GMR?
- One common scenario is that your facility offers music or other audio via cable TV or other TV sources during general business hours.
- Instructed fitness classes that are coordinated with music or various dance activities (Zumba, ballet, etc). Rockbot does not offer licenses for music for these activities.
- You have events—even if rarely—where a live band or DJ performs music in your facility.
- Your trainers or customers utilize music from another source, such as a CD or a consumer music service like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora. This is perhaps the most common licensing violation.
If you have any questions, please submit a Rockbot Request Ticket or give us a call at (415) 813-6020 x1