Several cases have emphasised the importance of ensuring that
businesses do not unwittingly breach copyright legislation. Whether
playing music to customers on hold on the telephone, allowing
radios to be used by staff or using images on websites, it is
crucial that businesses have the necessary licences in place.
DOES YOUR BUSINESS USE MUSIC?
Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, the
performing, playing or showing of a copyright work, in public, such
as the playing of a radio, without the consent of the copyright
owner may amount to copyright infringement. Deciding whether the
act is "in public", is a question of fact in each case
but as a general rule anything going beyond strict domestic use
will be held to be "in public" and this includes where
the audience consists of people at work.
