Music licensing for business made simple

When businesses play music in physical locations, federal copyright law requires them to pay royalties to the songwriters and performers who created that music. Failing to properly license music exposes your business to substantial financial risk and legal liability, including copyright infringement fines up to $150,000 per song you use.

Performing rights organizations (PROs) - ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR - collect royalties on behalf of songwriters. Each PRO represents different songwriters, so businesses generally need licenses from all four PROs to legally play music. Managing these licenses yourself means dealing with multiple organizations, variable fees, and complex compliance requirements.

Yes, Rockbot can replace your PRO licenses in the United States. Rockbot covers music streamed through Rockbot Music to premises located in the U.S., its territories, military bases, and possessions. When you use Rockbot Music in compliance with our Subscriber Terms of Service, we handle all PRO licensing (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR). For businesses in Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand, you'll need to maintain individual PRO licenses for each physical location where Rockbot Music is used, in addition to Rockbot's licensing.

Rockbot's licensing covers public performances of music streamed through Rockbot Music only, in compliance with our Subscriber Terms of Service. In the U.S., this means the music you play through our service is fully licensed and compliant with copyright law. In Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand, businesses must obtain and maintain their own individual licenses with local PROs for each location, in addition to using Rockbot's service.

Rockbot Music's license coverage does not give your business the right to use music in any way other than Rockbot Music itself. This includes DJs, live musicians and bands, karaoke, or any other use outside the scope of Rockbot's Subscriber Terms of Service. Rockbot's licensing also does not cover any other non-Rockbot music sources such as radios, televisions, or personal devices. If you use these additional music sources, you may be subject to copyright infringement liability unless you obtain additional direct licenses from the necessary copyright owners.

No. Consumer music services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora are not licensed for commercial use. Using these services in your business violates their terms of service and does not provide proper licensing coverage – exposing you to fines from the PROs.

If you have a DJ or live music, you'll need additional licensing – the same goes for karaoke and other music sources beyond Rockbot. Rockbot only covers music streamed through our service. Contact the PROs directly (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR) or a music rights consultant for additional licensing needs.

PRO licenses vary based on business size, type, square footage, and number of locations. Managing multiple PRO licenses yourself can be complex and costly. Rockbot provides all-in-one licensed music plus complete PRO coverage in one simple bill.

Businesses that don't properly license music face serious consequences, including fines up to $150,000 per copyrighted song used without permission and further legal risk. Compliance with copyright law protects your business from these risks while ensuring artists and songwriters receive fair compensation for their work.

No. Music copyright is a highly complex area of entertainment law, and you should direct any specific questions about your own business's use of music to a knowledgeable attorney or music rights consultant. This page provides general guidance on music licensing solely with respect to Rockbot. For questions about Rockbot specifically, please see our Rockbot Support Licensing FAQ page or contact support@rockbot.com.