Number: RS21107
Title: Copyright Law's Small Business Exception: Public Performance Exemptions for Certain Establishments
Authors: Todd B. Tatelman, American Law Division 
Abstract: While the general provisions of the Copyright Act require that businesses obtain licenses to play background music, there are exemptions, which were expanded by Title II of the "Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act," P.L. 105-298. Those exemptions generally allow bars, cafes, and restaurants to play the radio and show television programming, but do not authorize them to play audio cassettes and CDs. Research does not uncover any other provisions that would definitively immunize public performances of audio tapes and musical CDs in food service establishments from possible liability for copyright infringement.
Pages: 4
Date: Updated December 10, 2003