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How Do I Obtain a License for a Jukebox?

Posted on 09 January 2024 08:10 am

Your jukebox operator generally takes care of procuring the licenses for his jukeboxes, either through the Jukebox License Office (JLO), or through the music provider if it is a so-called digital or internet jukebox. Otherwise, licenses for jukeboxes (other than so-called digital or internet Jukeboxes) are available through the Jukebox License Office. The JLO makes it convenient and economical for you to obtain the permission you need for your jukebox by serving as a "clearinghouse" that provides authorization to perform virtually every copyrighted song in the United States and much of the world.

The JLO is a joint venture of the United States performing rights organizations, ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. The JLO offers a license which provides total access to all songs in the ASCAP, BMI and SESAC repertories. The Jukebox License Agreement is a single, economical, annual license that provides the authorization required to publicly perform copyrighted songs on a jukebox. Jukeboxes that are licensed by the JLO, must display a certificate in the title strip holder of each jukebox.

Establishments where music is performed by some means other than the jukebox (DJ's, bands, tapes, etc.), still need a separate license from each PRO (or the individual copyright owners) covering these other performances. The Jukebox License Agreement only provides authorization for jukebox performances. The jukebox, or "coin-operated phonorecord player," qualifies for the Jukebox License Agreement if it is a machine or device that:

  • is used solely for non-dramatic public performances of music; and
  • is operated by coins, tokens, currency or the like; and
  • is operated by patrons of the establishment (not employees), who make their selections from a list of titles; and
  • is located in an establishment making no direct or indirect charge for admission.

If your jukebox fails to meet any of these criteria, it does not qualify as a "coin-operated phonorecord
player" under the Copyright law and performances on that jukebox cannot be licensed through the JLO.
Licenses must then be acquired from each of the three performing rights organizations individually