Baltimore Co. Club Among Nearly Dozen Businesses Facing Copyright Lawsuits

TOWSON, MD — A music copyright lawsuit was filed Tuesday against nearly a dozen businesses nationwide, including one located in Baltimore County.

A release issued by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers states that The Point Towson was one of 11 venues that performed copyrighted works of its members.

The Point Towson is located at 523 York Road.

ASCAP says it represents more than 1.1 million artists and publishers.

The organization did not identify the specific songs The Point Towson played that violated copyright laws or how much money it sought in damages.

"ASCAP has made numerous attempts at the establishments listed below to offer a license and educate the business owners about their obligations under federal copyright law," reads the release.

"Despite these efforts, the owners of these establishments have continued to perform the copyrighted musical works of ASCAP's songwriter, composer and music publisher members for the entertainment of their patrons, while repeatedly refusing to take or honor a license."

ASCAP says the average cost for eateries to license content from its catalog amounts to less than $2 per day.

Aside from the Towson establishment, the D.C. region flagged two other venues: Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington, Virginia, and Vera Cocina in Washington, D.C.

Patch has reached out for comment.