A Guide Through the
Legal Jungle Trivia Question
Night at Al’s is a local bar that just started hiring cover bands to perform on Saturday nights as a means of attracting more weekend patrons. The first Saturday night performance was provided by Gilligan and the Yacht Rockers, a local soft rock cover band that performed a sleep-inducing rendition of Christopher Cross’s “Sailing,” and other Top-40 favorites. During the show, Al and his bartender
debated who was responsible for payment of any licensing fees for performance
of the songs. While Al insisted that Gilligan – as the actual performer – was responsible for payment of any licensing fees, the bartender argued that Al – as the venue owner – was responsible. Which party, if any, is responsible?
- Al
- Gilligan
and the Yacht Rockers - Neither.
The single public performance of copyrighted songs qualifies as a fair use.