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Licensing Music Copyright Holders

Doing Business in Oregon

A performing rights society must be registered to do business in this state in order to collect royalties, fees, penalties or other amounts.

Performing Rights Society Requirements

Effective January 1, 2019, House Bill 4088 implements new requirements for performing rights societies. Performing rights societies must provide a copy of a template contract to the Secretary of State annually. Performing rights societies are also required to provide information to the business proprietor upon request at least 72 hours before entering into, or offering to enter into, a contract with a business proprietor (ORS 647.705). It allows courts to impose a fine up to $1,000 for willful violations.

Copyright Holders Rights

U.S. Copyright Law gives copyright owners the exclusive right to publicly perform or allow performance of their works. Most music is protected by a copyright. The owner of a business where copyrighted music is performed is liable for infringement if copyrighted music is used in the business. If you use music in your business, including as background music or on a phone system, be aware of your liability for using the music.

ASCAP License Agreement Templates