In February, the U.S. Copyright Office issued a Notice of Inquiry relating to Performing Rights Organizations (PROs), which license artists’ copyrighted works to concert halls, bars, and other music venues, including breweries. The recent proliferation of PROs and related developments have presented challenges for small businesses and craft breweries alike. Feedback from our members highlighted the general frustration of having to deal with multiple PROs along with specific issues related to fractional licensing, bullying tactics, and one size fits all pricing models.

Earlier today, the Brewers Association submitted comments to the Copyright Office to highlight these challenges and frustrations.