Copyright Issue with Karaoke

[Matthew Mercier]

Thanks for the info.

[Rich Beil]

Dan,

I read your reply while researching the issue of copyright and Karaoke, in regard to a relatively new website I found, http://www.redkaroke.com.

According to its Terms of Use, it appears to be incorporated in Spain.

Although it specifically prohibits the uploading and/or display of copyrighted material, it provides a database of thousands of Karaoke versions of copyrighted songs. Members are able to then record themselves performing these songs and post these renditions for comment. They have “chart” rankings similar to Billboard charts.

When I questioned the site Administrator about whether the appropriate licensing/performance fees had been paid for the use and display of copyrighted material, I got no answer. Therefore, I have not participated as yet.

I know that there is a similar site on MySpace called “ksolo”.

I am wondering whether case law has addressed such and issue and whether these sites are subject to the licensing fees that Karaoke bars and clubs must pay.

[Dan Brockett]

Hi Rich:

I am not an attorney, so I don’t know for sure, but it surely does sound as if they would need to pay the same sorts of license fees that any other user would.

As far as Spain, I don’t know what the U.S. copyright laws are as far as how they apply to foreign countries. I know that there is an international copyright law, but as you know, much of the rest of the world ignores that because they are in countries that basically ignore copyright law (most of Asia, for instance).

Dan

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