June 22nd, 2009

ASCAP Brief Pushes Royalty For Ringtones

By Antony Bruno, Billboard

The Electronic Frontier Foundation notes the dicey nature of this claim. For starters, public performance royalties are generally due only when there is a "direct or indirect" commercial advantage to playing music, such as in a bar or restaurant. Comparing ringtones to such a use is like claiming car companies should pay the performance royalties when people listen to their car stereo with the windows open.

Related Issues: Intellectual Property

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