California CodesBusiness and Professions Code - BPCDivision 8 — Special Business RegulationsChapter 11 — Copyrighted Performances of Musical WorksSection 21750

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(a) “Copyright owner” means the owner of a copyright of a nondramatic musical work recognized and enforceable under the copyright laws of the United States pursuant to Title 17 of the United States Code, P. L. 94-553 (17 U.S.C. Sec. 101 et seq.). “Copyright owner” does not include the owner of a copyright in a motion picture or audiovisual work, or in part of a motion picture or audiovisual work.

(b) “Performing rights society” means an association or corporation that licenses the public performance of nondramatic musical works on behalf of copyright owners, such as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), and SESAC, Inc.

(c) “Proprietor” means the owner of a retail establishment, restaurant, inn, bar, tavern, or any other similar place of business or professional office located in this state in which the public may assemble and in which nondramatic musical works may be performed, broadcast, or otherwise transmitted for the enjoyment of the assembled members of the public.

(d) “Royalty” or “royalties” means the fees payable to a copyright owner or performing rights society for the public performance of a nondramatic musical work.