Online Video Karaoke Library

[karaokejoe]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NY
I have a unique web page I have developed (and have patented the process) which I need to clarify the legal aspects for. First, it works by cloud computing or streaming video karaoke files from a server to a "users" browser. It doesn't allow downloading of the music, but rather just temporary use of it. Very similar to Netflix and what they have done with movies. My direct question is; besides ASCAP and BMI's net broadcaster fees - do I have obligations to the manufacturers of the karaoke music in the first place? And; am I allowed to utilize any manufacturer's copyrighted karaoke version of an ASCAP or BMI's artist's work? Please remember that these are recreations from original artists; done by various karaoke companies. Would I be allowed to use them in my small web broadcast? What do the rules for web broadcasting or broadcasting in general entail in regards to something like this? Your insight is greatly appreciated.

Please contact me if you need additional info.

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NY
I have a unique web page I have developed (and have patented the process) which I need to clarify the legal aspects for. First, it works by cloud computing or streaming video karaoke files from a server to a "users" browser. It doesn't allow downloading of the music, but rather just temporary use of it. Very similar to Netflix and what they have done with movies. My direct question is; besides ASCAP and BMI's net broadcaster fees - do I have obligations to the manufacturers of the karaoke music in the first place? And; am I allowed to utilize any manufacturer's copyrighted karaoke version of an ASCAP or BMI's artist's work? Please remember that these are recreations from original artists; done by various karaoke companies. Would I be allowed to use them in my small web broadcast? What do the rules for web broadcasting or broadcasting in general entail in regards to something like this? Your insight is greatly appreciated.

Your question is beyond the scope of an internet advice forum. Seek the assistance of an attorney - or several.

 

[FlyingRon]

If you were just going to stream the music, the internet license from the PRO might be OK. However, since you say Karaoke, then I suspect you're also matching these up with lyrics. Then you've got lots of issues. You'll most likely need synchronization rights for the music PLUS some sort of license for the lyrics themselves.

 

[karaokejoe]

Lyrics?

Wouldn't the lyrics of a particular copyrighted piece of music be protected as a part of that performance (music) from the original artist - writer? I know that manufacturers of karaoke music pay ASCAP BMI (Artists, Writers) for recreating their music for resale as a karaoke version. Does this re creation then make it again another layer of obligation of copyrighted material beyond the original composer, artist, etc.? And would that stuff be able to be privately broadcast with an internet service?

 

[FlyingRon]

ABSOLUTELY NOT. The performance rights cover the streaming of the sound alone. It most certainly does NOT cover the lyrics. In addition, the performance rights covered by the internet license cover only the SOUND. Once you integrate the display of the lyrics, you become liable for synchronization rights, which there is no pre-negotiated royalties for unlike the regular performance.

The Karaoke manufacturers have negotiated and paid for the rights. It's NOT covered by the normal phonorecord or internet performance rights. There's been some court precedent in some districts that definitely support what I've said.