The copyright company AKM sued the ‘corona denier idol’ Alexandra P. from Linz because the restorer refused to pay for a performance license. She is now said to owe 4,810 euros, but a trial never took place.
“Private lawsuits against innkeepers who refuse to pay for the performance permit are really very rare,” says Susanne Lontzen of the AKM. The AKM is a copyright organization that represents the rights to make musical works by authors, composers and publishers available. Anyone running a bar – like the Wut landlady Alexandra P. in Linz during the pandemic – must enter into a licensing agreement with the AKM and pay a corresponding fee for the use of music.
“Economically responsible contributions”
“We call on the restaurant owners to obtain an operating permit. The costs depend on the size of the company, but also where the music comes from. These are economically justified amounts,” Lontzen explains.
If a landlord does not want to participate, the AKM usually has a long queue, according to the spokeswoman. A second request for payment is sent and only then a lawyer is called in for a third request. A private prosecution like that of Alexandra P. is the absolute exception: “Most people are more likely to see that our demand is justified,” says Lontzen.
As reported, the angry landlady now owes the AKM 4,810 euros. So far, a lawsuit has failed because she has not appeared.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
