Football

[Gina Montpenier]

I was wondering if there are license laws for playing the NFL Game at a venue?  Does anyone know??  We all go to see live music - how about going to a pub to "watch the game"?

[Peggy Paperdoll]

You need to read the terms of use for that ever network (channel, outlet) that owns the broadcasting rights for the games.  Say it's ESPN or ABC (basically the same sine they are affiliiated) has the right to the Bears vs Dallas game.  Most of the time it's no reproduction or distribution of the game without written consent from either ESPN or ABC.  I would contact the owner of the broadcasting rights.  I do know that if you are showing the game for financial gain, you will have to pay royalties........and that could be expensive (much more than you are likely to make at your venue in SL).

 

LIve music is different.  It's assumed the performer is legally entitled to sing the songs he/she sings during the show........or that the music/songs are his/hers own original music/songs.  It's on the performer, not the venue.  It's perfectly okay to let people enjoy any music in a public place as long as the music is not a source of income for the place that the music is provided......fine line and nearly impossible to enforce.  But that won't stop RIAA from approching you it they think your presentation is violating any copyright or licensing law.  To be safe contact the people who own the rights to the broadcasting of the games.