digital music licensing

This is reasonably off topic (perhaps not as off topic as the M-theory voodoo), but maybe the lawyer turned developer types know something about it.

If I have a coffee shop that offers free wi-fi, can I set up a server with all my CDs on it, such that the iTunes users can listen to the music using the shared music/rendezvous feature?


Alternatively, I know that if you want a "legit" streaming audio channel, you are supposed to license all your music.

What if I just want to set up the streaming audio channel within my coffee shop, so that users in the coffee shop can listen to the tunes whilst at their laptops?

ktm
Friday, November 7, 2003

In the US, you'll need a broadcast license.  Check out ASCAP or BMI for more information.

Philo

Philo
Friday, November 7, 2003

even if the server is located within a single coffee shop, and the music is only being broadcast to nodes in the coffee shop network?

ktm
Friday, November 7, 2003

You're using the music for a public performance, you need the license Philo's talking about.

If you have any sort of music system where the public can listen to it (be it a bar/book store/etc), the license is needed.

RocketJeff
Friday, November 7, 2003

You used the word, didn't you? ;-)

Seriously, yes - you'll need a broadcast license.

Philo

Philo
Friday, November 7, 2003

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