6th Circuit: Bar Owner Liable For Vicarious Copyright Infringement

Broadcast Music, Inc. v. Meadowlake, Ltd. et al., No. 13-3933 (6th Cir. June 6, 2014) [decision].

The Sixth Circuit holds that an individual, who owned 95% a limited liability company that owned a restaurant that offered dancing and live music, was liable for vicarious copyright infringement (public performance right).  As the company’s chief (95%) owner and the restaurant’s ultimate decision maker, the individual defendant had the right and ability to supervise the infringing performances.  According to the 6th Circuit, "This case indeed falls within the heartland of vicarious liability."  The Court rejected the defendant's argument that his son was the day-to-day manager of the restaurant, that he claimed ignorance of the infringement, and that ownership via a limited liability company shielded liability.  "Either way, Roy profited from infringement at his restaurant while refusing to exercise his right to stop it. And so either way, Roy remains vicariously liable."