SOUTHWICK – On Wednesday, Nov. 9, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) announced that they have filed copyright infringement lawsuits against 11 separate bars and restaurants across the country. ASCAP is a non-profit membership association that represents more than 625,000 independent songwriters, composers, and music publishers.
One of the 11 establishments being sued is Louie’s Lakeside, a drinking and eating establishment located on Congamond Lake in Southwick. According to Jackson Wagener, who is the Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for ASCAP, they have made over a dozen attempts in the last five years to reach out to Louie’s Lakeside and make them aware of the illegal actions they were performing.
The establishment on Point Grove Road is being accused of using music from songwriter’s of ASCAP without compensating them.
Louie’s Lakeside. (Photo courtesy of Greg Fitzpatrick)
As Wagener pointed out, making sure their performers get rewarded for their work is absolutely crucial, he added that their recent actions were necessary.
“There became a point and time where ASCAP only had one option,” said Wagener. “Litigation is always a last resort for ASCAP.”
In a press release, ASCAP Executive Vice President of Licensing Vincent Candilora, talked about the licensing process, which is a legal obligation for restaurants and bars when using copyrighted music.
“Any business using copyrighted music has the opportunity to obtain permission to do so lawfully through a simple license, which covers the entire ASCAP repertory of over 10.5 million musical works. The average cost for bars and restaurants amounts to less than just $2 per day for the right to play an unlimited amount of music.”
Moving forward, Wagener said that they will now give Louie’s Lakeside the opportunity to answer to the complaint and ASCAP’s hope is to reach a settlement with the restaurant. However, if a settlement isn’t reached, the case would get litigated and there would be a deposition that would ultimately lead to a trial.
No representative from Louie’s Lakeside responded to The Westfield News’ numerous attempts to reach them for comment.
