Document: 422 U.S. 151 95 S.Ct. 2040 45 L.Ed.2d 84 TWENTIETH CENTURY MUSIC CORPORATION et al., Petitioners,v.George AIKEN. No. 74—452. Argued April 21, 1975. Decided June 17, Syllabus Petitioners' copyrighted songs were received on the radio in respondent's food shop from a local braodcasting station, which was licensed by American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers to perform songs, but respondent had no such license. Petitioners then sued for copyright infringement. The District Court granted awards, Appeals reversed. Held: Respondent did not infringe upon petitioners' exclusive right, under Copyright Act, '(t)o work publicly profit,' since receiption constitute 'performance' songs. Fortnightly Corp. v. United Artists, 392 390, 88 2084, 20 1176; Teleprompter CBS, 415 394, 94 1129, 39 415. To hold that 'performed' works would obviously result wholly unenforceable regime law, also be highly inequitable, (short keeping his turned off) one position unable protect himself infringement liability. Such ruling, moreover authorize sale an untold number licenses what is basically single rendition work, thus conflicting with balanced purpose Act assuring composer adequate return value composition while at same time protecting public oppressive monopolies. Pp. 154-164. 3 Cir., 500 F.2d 127, affirmed. Simon H. Rifkind, New York City, petitioners. Harold David Cohen, Washington, D.C., respondent. Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion Court. 1 question presented this case whether reception broadcast musical can infringement, when owner has broadcaster profit. 2 * George Aiken owns operates small fast-service downtown Pittsburgh, Pa., known as 'George Aiken's Chicken.' Some customers carry out they purchase, others remain eat counters or booths. Usually 'carry-out' are restaurant less than five minutes, those who there seldom longer 10 15 minutes. A outlets four speakers ceiling receives broadcasts music other normal programing restaurant. usually turns each morning start business. Music, news, entertainment, commercial advertising stations heard Aiken, employees, during hours establishment open 4 On March 11, 1972, two compositions station several establisment. Petitioner Twentieth Century Music these 'The More I See You'; petitioner Mary Bourne other, 'Me My Shadow.' members (ASCAP), association performing rights its their works. ASCAP them.1 however, license ASCAP. 5 petitioners States Western Pennsylvania recover Their complaint alleged infringed 'perform' Judge agreed, statutory monetary awards 356 F.Supp. 271. Third Circuit reversed judgment, holding claims against foreclosed Court's decisions 1176, We certiorari. 419 1067, 654, 42 663. II 6 1909, 35 Stat. 1075, amended, 17 U.S.C. § seq.,2 gives holder monopoly limited specified 'exclusive' works.3 As explained supra: 7 does give control over all uses work. Instead, enumerates 'rights' made copyright. If person, without authorization holder, puts use within scope 'exclusive rights,' he infringes enumerated 1, infringe.' U.S., 393—395, S.Ct., 2086. 8 Accordingly, if unlicensed conflict right conferred statute, it holder's rights. No required example, sing lyric shower.4 9 monopoly, like duration Constitution,5 reflects balance competing interest: Creative encouraged rewarded, private motivation must ultimately serve cause promoting broad availability literature, music, arts.6 immediate effect our law secure fair 'author's' creative labor. But ultimate aim is, incentive, stimulate artistic creativity general good. sole interest primary object conferring monopoly,' said, 'lie benefits derived labors authors.' Fox Film Doyal, 286 123, 52 546, 547, 76 L.Ed. 1010. Kendall Winsor, 62 322, 21 How. 327—328, 16 165; Grant Raymond, 31 218, Pet. 241—242, 376. When technological change rendered literal terms ambiguous, construed light basic purpose.7 11 precise issue present 1(e), profit.'8 may assume occurred 'publicly profit.' Herbert Shanley Co., 242 591, 37 232, 61 511. dispositive question, therefore, constituted 12 provision enacted prohibit unauthorized performances places concert halls, theaters, restaurants, cabarets. H.R.Rep. 2222, 60th Cong., 2d Sess. (1909). An orchestra individual instrumentalist singer performs place clearly infringer statute. entrepreneur sponsors performance profit infringer—direct contributory. generally & M. Nimmer, §§ 102, 134 (1974). never contemplated audience themselves simultaneously 'performing,' guilty This much common ground. 13 With advent radio, could instantaneously enormous distant separate persons operating receiving sets reconvert audible form.9 Although Congress revise language, quick adapt prevent exploitation protected through new electronic technology. In short, soon established federal courts profit—and licensed. earliest cases holding, Sixth said: 14 'While fact developed . raise some properly comes purview alone excluded words, statute applied situations anticipated Congress, if, fairly construed, come intent meaning. While statutes should stretched apply so narrowly permit evasion because changing habits due inventions discoveries. 'A performance, listeners communicate another, assembled inclosure, gathered together stadium park place. Nor deemed listener enjoy privacy home. Radio broadcasting intended to, does, reach very larger moment any medium performance. artist consciously addressing great, though unseen widely scattered, audience, therefore participating performance.' Jerome Remick Co. Automobile Accessories 411, 411—412. Witmark Sons L. Bamberger 291 F. 776 (NJ); General Electric 160 (SDNY); 829 Associated Publishers, Inc., Debs Memorial Fund, 141 852 (CA2). Cf. Chappell Ltd. Australia, Ltd., (1925) Vict.L.R. 350; Messager British Broadcasting (1927) K.B. 543, rev'd grounds, (1928) 660, aff'd (1929) A.C. 151. Caldwell, Copyrighted Works, J.Air 584 (1930); Note, 75 U.Pa.L.Rev. 549 (1927); Harv.L.Rev. 269 (1925). If, analogy live hall cabaret, 'performs' it, seem require conclusion listen receivers do composition. And exactly early held. 'Certainly perform, supra, F.2d, 829. 'One manually human agency merely actuates electrical instrumentalities, whereby inaudible elements omnipresent air hearing, meaning Law.' Buck Debaum, 40 734, 735 (S.D.Cal.1929). 18 state 1931 decided jewell-LaSalle Realty 283 191, 51 410, 971. called answer following certified Eighth Circuit: 'Do acts hotel proprietor, making available guests, instrumentality set loud installed entertainment hearing been transmitting USC Sec. 1(e)?' answered affirmative. stating facts case, clear least twice course indicated might have different itself authorized holder.10 19 purposes Jewel-LaSalle decision retains authoritative force factual situation arose.11 But, perceived, recent explicitly disavowed view material broadcasts. language hardly more now before us: television sense exhibitor motion picture stage play; supplies visible images only signals. viewer conversely member theater audience; provides equipment convert signals into sound images. Despite deviations conventional framers broadcasters judicially treated exhibitors, viewers audience. Broadcasters perform. Viewers Thus, both play crucial roles total process, line drawn between them. One active performer; passive beneficiary.' 398—399, 2088 (footnotes omitted). 22 cases, sure, involved television, materials literary dramatic works, compositions. correctly observed: 'If Fortnightly, elaborate CATV plant even sophisticated extended programming facilities logic dictates resulted (respondent) activated radio.' 137. 23 copyrights us overrule offend principles stare decisis; inequitable. 24 practical unenforceability ruling infringers self-evident. consider countless business establishments country premises—bars, beauty shops, cafeterias, car washes, dentists' offices, drivins—to realize futility evenhanded effort part holders substantial percentage them.12 25 every inequitable distinct reasons. First, person sure way liability except off. For secured ASCAP, either foreseeing controlling whose held someone else.13 Secondly, exaction multiple tribute go far beyond economic protection owners,14 odds congressional behind 1(e): 26 main desired expanding accorded composition, serious difficult task combine public, frame act accomplish double securing formation monopolies, founded interests.' Sess., 27 reasons stated opinion, judgment 28 It ordered. 29 Affirmed. 30 BLACKMUN, concurring result. discomfort, decisionaly outdated threefold: 32 1. first discomfort factual. innocent 'listener,' seems characterize him throughout particularly ante, 162. sense, course, listener, operated served customers, himself. Perhaps enjoyable soothing entertaining effects music. aspect difficulty. 33 loudspeakers shop. This, obviously, done personal contentment hear broadcast, corner be, above noise transactions. edification customers. offered trade, added, estimation, atmosphere attraction establishment. Viewed light, something mere simply categorized. 34 2. second precedential. Forty-four years ago, unanimous written Brandeis, proprietor's guests Jewell-LaSalle 971 (1931). rule benchmark foundation significant portion rather licensing agreements evolved developing media Seven ago Court, 5—1 vote, three participating, community antenna (CATV) transmitted home subscribers Act. 1176 (1968). divided briefly noted relevance announced 'must understood own facts.' Id., 396—397, n. 18, 2088. already my disagreement reasoning conviction Jewell-LaSalle, facts. 415, 1141, (1974) (dissenting opinion.) concerned about simplistic television's complications, perhaps obvious inadequacies ancient today's majority felt otherwise analysis rejected embraced complex arrangements industry. CBS supra. hoped, secondarily, CATV. At context arguably desirable infant industry premature death. Today, extends broadcasting, effectively overrules thereby abrogates practices. limit application peculiar spawned Parenthetically, note precisely achieved virtually versions proposed revisions See, e.g., 101 S. 1361, 93d See., sought amend, 110(5). 48(5) (6) 1956, Eliz. 2, c. 74, distinguishes 'the causing subject-matter diffusion service.' 36 Resolution problems fashioning modern expected Congress. event, now, content continue appraoch accompany pragmatic reliance 'practical unenforceability,' 162, Aiken. 3. third tactical. cannot understand why reluctant directly doing indirectly, namely, Jewell-LaSalle. Of view, correct decided, regard good today identical broadcasting. noted, 'to facts,' ignored existence completely refusing cite it. means, me, want nevertheless agree felt, hopefully, bother anymore anyway. Today thing again extracting discovering great significance join intimation, 160-surely breaking point—that Brandeis spoke reached contrary dances around indeed must, potent opposing precedent stands stalwart position. think we realistic forthright and, way, 38 dissented Teleprompter, decided. insisting adhering rationale compelled. Accepting concur Chief BURGER, whom DOUGLAS joins, dissenting. 402, 2091, (1968), Fortas observed call 'not Solomon dexterity Houdini.' There really satisfactory solution problem here, until response longstanding proposals. writing express underscore repeatedly need legislative action. certainly commonplace universally innovation CATV, yet are, basically, essentially awkward past confronted problems. attempt designed another era affirmatively manifested concerning policy considerations involved. 41 Yet, resolved appropriately Congress; will find reaches equitable resolution, functional analysis'1 too approach, cf. (Blackmun, J., dissenting), opt solution. compelled statute; applicable assuming correctness analytically dictated cases. situation, suggest, day, situations, lead tread cautiously here. Our major little damage possible traditional relationships, legislates relieves embarrassment interested parties face.' 404, 2091 (Fortas, dissenting). 43 notes, nate, 160, (1931), answering phrased manner squarely conflicts today. despite many opportunities, legislatively overruled Buck, 'as 2087. Even dubious process limitation, see 405, 2092 dissenting); 1141 relevant here expressly negated further commercially receive distribute Moreover, accepting, arguendo, restrictive reading given today, field, latter supports here.2 'passive 399, 2089. He took transmission used enterprise, multispeaker audio system specifically purposes.3 describes 'a .,' Here, put independent use. His conduct me controlled Buck's unequivocal that: 44 hires relieved charge select particular program played. Similarly, tunes purposes, necessarily assumes risk another.' 198—199, 412. 513 (1917). 46 Douglas case: read achieves 'legislating' important features existence.' 421, 1145. bear mind '(o)ur ax, being cut straight, sharp, deep; calls compromise theory architectural improvisation legislation accomplish.' 408, 2093 discussion K—91, Inc. Gershwin Publishing Corp., 372 (CA9). ASCAP's agreement Pittsburgh contained, customary, provision: 'Nothing herein contained shall authorizing LICENSEE (WKJF-FM) grant reproduce method whatsoever, hereunder receiver profit, whatsoever.' Constitution power: 'To promote Progress Science useful Arts, Times Inventors Right respective Writings Discoveries.' U.S.Const., Art. I, 8, cl. 8. Burrow-Giles Lithographic Sarony, 111 53, 58, 279, 281, 349; Trade-Mark Cases, 100 82, 94, 550. Title part: 'Any entitled thereto, complying provisions title, right: '(a) print, reprint, publish, copy, vend work; '(b) translate languages dialects, make version thereof, dramatize nondramatic novel drama; arrange complete, execute, finish model design art; '(c) deliver, delivery of, read, lecture, sermon, address similar production procure transcription record thereof which, whole part, exhibited, delivered, presented, produced, reproduced; exhibit, represent, produce, whatsoever. damages referred subsection exceed sum $100 where infringing shows aware reasonably foreseen; '(d) represent drama or, reproduced copies sale, manuscript whatsoever thereof; performed, represented, produce whatsoever; '(e) composition; forth (a) hereof, arrangement setting melody notation form thought author recorded ..' Wall Taylor, Q.B.D. 106—107 (1883) (Brett, M.R.): Singing one's gratification intending anything, amuse else, not, think, representation according ordinary terms, nor room singing Lord Mansfield's statement almost 200 Sayre Moore, quoted footnote Cary Longman, East *358, 362 (b), 102 Eng.Rep. 138, 140 (b) (1801), bears repeating: (W)e take care guard extremes equally prejudicial; one, men ability, employed service community, deprived just merits, reward ingenuity labour; world improvements, progress arts retarded.' stated: '(O)ur inquiry history, drafted long development phenomena deal 1909 infancy, invented. 60 drastic change.' 395—396, 2087 3, Station KDKA, 1920, said world. 196 '(W)e occasion determine circumstances performer, paying fee.' 198, 411 (emphasis added). id., 199 5, supported concept akin contributory relationship company technically actual case. 197 4, 411. 5,150 country, 129, noting include 'firms employ premises sources tape recorders entertainment.' 4. matter so-called 'policy' 'practice,' told, tried exact radios speaker. inequity, 971, pointed Professor Zechariah Chafee, Jr., ago: hard laymen keep litigation La Salle Hotel heavily liable rebroadcast how itself? Must maintain monitor always job sit list pages showing pieces turn off master instant piece station? dilemma created mitigated machinery device entirely outside obtain blanket pretty safety came set. (But if) do? Besides getting license, bargain separately chance patrons? 'Such divergences ideal likely corrected Reflections Law Copyright: Col.L.Rev. 503, 528—529. demonstrated royalties based size broadcaster's contrary, points proportion revenues broadcasters, reflect listeners, including establishments. 'Broadcasters perform.' 398, 2088, (1968) Recent proposals distinctly questions. 48(5), (6), 74. Indeed, consideration Senate Committee Judiciary undertook distinguish 'ordinary radios' 'where audiences means covering wide area.' S.Rep.No. 93—983, p. 130 distinction, drawing exempt best dubious; leaves gap filled courts.

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