Although most people buy digital audio files, CDs or software thinking they are now their property, there is a distinction in the law between owning a copy of the music and owning the actual songs that are played. When you buy an audio file, software, or CD, even those specifically marketed for business purposes, the purchase price covers only your private listening use, regardless of how the files or recordings are labeled. Once you decide to play any copyrighted music publicly, you need permission from the copyright owners of the music.