Hi Chip,

Attached is the sole license between Slep Tone / Sound Choice and ********** Music, Inc. Based on this license, they definitely don’t have the right to produce “******** *** *****” with scrolling lyrics like most karaoke discs have. They only have the right to distribute the audio file of the song.


Best,

(publisher's name)

The other 7 songs you mentioned were never properly licensed, at least, there are no licenses in the files that I see.

As far as Karaoke Jockeys, that’s a subject for debate. When we license our content to companies like Sound Choice its for those companies to sell their products directly to consumer with the understanding that the consumer uses for personal and private use only (Translation: not to be used in public settings). The music publishing companies have not provided rights to karaoke manufacturers for sales to KJs who then operate a business by exploiting those recordings.

Back in the day when licensing and piracy wasn't as much of a problem as it is now, we used to press (injection molding process) all of our discs. From a licensing perspective it was rarely a problem, but what it meant was that we had a cut off deadline. Whatever songs we decided on had to be licensed or approved for licensing before we went to press. Occasionally when we couldn't get a reply from a publisher in time, we had to make a decision based on previous history, the song writer, etc. as to whether or not the song would get an approval. If we felt that there was a very good chance of that then we would commit to the song and cross our fingers (our legs, bless ourselves, etc.) and add it to the list.

Of course we weren't always right. Sometimes we would miss songs thinking we wouldn't be able to get approval, and sometimes we released songs without getting the approval we anticipated. In the case of the latter, it was rarely a huge problem as we would enter a settlement and agree to sell only what was pressed to date and not repress. Even at that often times the publisher would even let us repress if we gave them a better rate.

But I does love the anonymous CEO quote, How about having this CEO come on the forum and tell us personally.

One thing that is virtually guaranteed is that Chip isn't posting the whole truth.

If Chip were genuinely concerned about this issue, instead of just interested in creating negative feelings toward SC, he would contact me or Kurt about these things. By hiding the name of the publisher from us, he guarantees that we can't provide a substantive response. That tells me that he doesn't want a substantive response...and feel free to speculate about why that is.

Nice redirect but it is YOU asserting what this anonymous CEO has stated. As for you facts or assertions, I take with a grain of salt as you tend to twist and spin things your way.

Exactly what facts. It would be like me saying I have the private phone number to a world leader and he or she consults with me before he makes a decision.

One can make any statement they want but it doesn't mean it is a fact. So to use your words "back it up". You brought it up, it is yours to prove.

If your response is going to be you won't or don't or research it yourself, then I will quote Penn & Teller "BULLS#!T".

Well without the publisher name or the song in question being available, it's all speculation still. Just post the info!

:roll: Okay doke. So nothing to go on!

Exactly like a sound choice investigation isn't it?

Harrington tells you that they're happening, but produces no proof. For some reason, you don't have a problem believing that... like it's the "whole truth."

AND... from a different (and much larger) publishing house, I received the following snippet in an email from their person in charge of licensing (I added the emphasis):



Interesting that they claim their licensing to "companies like Sound Choice" are for "personal and private use only." While for years, companies "like Sound Choice" have been marketing their products directly to KJ's operating businesses.

Maybe because Harrington has creditentials behind him and has to follow the rules and regulations of his bar society and the laws of the State and Country, one of which is client-lawyer privilige. Not only that, he would be stupid to reveal who and where investigations are conducted. I doubt your police chief would reveal ongoing investigations to you or the public.