SOCAN Targets Hair Salons for Background Music Royalties

The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) is sending letters to hair salons across the country reminding them that under Canadian copyright law they are obliged to remit royalties for playing recorded music on their premises. SOCAN Tariff 15A requires payment from any establishment that plays background music in its facility. Specifically, if business owners wish to play music from SOCAN's repertoire, they will pay $11.46 per square foot annually with a minimum fee of $94.51, giving them access to music from all over the world. Every year SOCAN initiates a public awareness-campaign targeted to a specific industry sector. Last year it was dentist offices and this year it is hair salons. Will lawyers' offices be targeted next? For commentary by Prof Michael Geist, visit his blog at: http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/1460/125/ For the text of SOCAN Tariff 15A, visit: http://www.cb-cda.gc.ca/tariffs/certified/m20060603-b.pdf Summary by: Oren Weichenberg