BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) has the authority to conduct audits on businesses to ensure they are complying with music licensing regulations. Here's how the process typically works:
### **1. Monitoring and Detection**
BMI actively monitors public performances of music to identify businesses that may be using copyrighted music without a proper license. This can involve field representatives visiting venues, as well as using technology to track music usage.
### **2. Initial Contact**
If BMI suspects a business is playing music without a license, they will typically reach out to the business owner to inform them of the potential violation and offer assistance in obtaining the necessary license.
### **3. Audit Notification**
If the business does not respond or fails to obtain a license, BMI may notify the business of their intention to conduct an audit. This notification will include details about the audit process and what the business needs to provide.
### **4. Audit Process**
During the audit, BMI will request documentation such as playlists, receipts, and other records that show what music was played and when They may also inspect the premises to verify compliance.
### **5. Assessment and Resolution**
After reviewing the documentation, BMI will assess whether the business has been properly licensed. If they find that music was played without a license, they will calculate the appropriate licensing fees and penalties.
### **6. Legal Action**
If the business still does not comply, BMI may take legal action to enforce copyright laws. This can result in fines and court orders to cease playing music until proper licensing is.
### **Conclusion**
It's crucial for businesses to understand the importance of obtaining a BMI license to avoid potential legal issues and ensure they are supporting the creators of the music they enjoy. Compliance with music licensing laws not only protects businesses but also contributes to the continued creation and distribution of music.
When a BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) publisher conducts an audit on a business, they follow a systematic approach to ensure that the business is complying with music licensing requirements. Here’s a general overview of the process:
### **1. Detection and Notification**
- **Monitoring**: BMI monitors music usage in public spaces through field representatives and technology.
- **Initial Contact**: If BMI suspects a business is playing music without a license, they will contact the business owner to inform them of the potential violation and offer assistance in obtaining the necessary license.
### **2. Audit Notification**
- **Formal Notification**: If the business does not respond or fails to obtain a license, BMI will notify the business of their intention to conduct an audit. This notification will include details about the audit process and what the business needs to provide.
### **3. Document Review**
- **Request for Records**: During the audit, BMI will request documentation such as playlists, receipts, and other records that show what music was played and when.
- **Inspection**: BMI may also inspect the premises to verify compliance.
### **4. Assessment**
- **Evaluation**: After reviewing the documentation, BMI will assess whether the business has been properly licensed.
- **Calculation of Fees**: If they find that music was played without a license, they will calculate the appropriate licensing fees and penalties.
### **5. Resolution**
- **Compliance**: BMI will work with the business to ensure they obtain the necessary licenses and are compliant moving forward.
- **Legal Action**: If the business still does not comply, BMI may take legal action to enforce copyright laws, which can result in fines and court orders to cease playing music until proper licensing is obtained.
### **Conclusion**
To avoid these issues, businesses should proactively obtain a BMI license if they play music publicly. This ensures they are legally protected and supporting the creators of the music they enjoy.
Here's a link if you need a license for your place of business:
BY: JOHNNY MORALES (DJ KAUSHUN)
BMI PUBLISHER CAE/IPI #892694674