News Releases

July 11, 2017
Japanese Society for Rights of Authors,
Composers and Publishers
(JASRAC)

Nation’s First Injunction on Acts of Copyright Infringement and Claim for Damages Against Owners of Venue that Use Background Music

JASRAC today filed an action requesting prohibition (injunction) of performances of copyright works administered by JASRAC (hereinafter called “JASRAC repertoire”) at the venues below and a claim of damages against the 2 owners of these venues. These venues had repeatedly infringed copyrights by using JASRAC repertoire without authorization.

Venue (location)

Barber Shop “Elfina” (Chuo Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido)
Restaurant “Jamaican Corner BROWN'S” (Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture)

JASRAC has repeatedly requested the owners of these venues to conclude license agreements for the use of JASRAC repertoire for background music.
JASRAC filed a civil mediation in 2015. However, both owners did not accept to obtain licenses and they continue to use JASRAC repertoire without authorization.

Given the fact that most music users have concluded license agreements with JASRAC to use music legally, for the sake of fairness as well, JASRAC filed the lawsuit since it could not leave copyright infringement by the owners.

End