Copyright Infringement

This analysis outlines a structured approach to addressing royalty mismanagement issues involving ASCAP, BMI, and the publisher, Evolving Sound. Below is a concise action plan based on your points:

Action Plan for Royalty Mismanagement

1. Issues Identified
•    Unauthorized Registration with ASCAP: Challenge ASCAP’s registration of works without explicit authorization, especially as CLIENT is a BMI member.
•    Royalty Discrepancies: Investigate minimal royalties reported by ASCAP and limited payments for international performances via BMI.
•    Publisher Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Address Evolving Sound’s potential unauthorized registrations and mismanagement.
•    Pending Registrations: Push BMI to expedite “Pending Society Review” cases.
•    Non-Responsiveness: Demand accountability from ASCAP and the publisher.

2. Immediate Actions
•    Send Demand Letters:
•    ASCAP:
•    Request detailed royalty accounts and challenge unauthorized registrations.
•    BMI:
•    Request updates on pending registrations and support for international royalties.
•    Evolving Sound:
•    Demand full accounting and address breaches of fiduciary duties.
•    Evidence Compilation:
•    Gather BMI royalty statements (2021–2024).
•    Consolidate ASCAP Work IDs and royalty records.
•    Collect communications with ASCAP, BMI, and Evolving Sound.
•    Independent Audit:
•    Request audits of ASCAP’s and BMI’s royalty collections.
•    Examine Evolving Sound’s records for discrepancies.

3. Legal Remedies
•    Breach of Contract:
•    Pursue claims against Evolving Sound for unauthorized ASCAP registrations and negligence.
•    Copyright Infringement:
•    Address unauthorized registrations by ASCAP as potential infringement.
•    Unjust Enrichment:
•    Seek repayment of improperly retained royalties from ASCAP.
•    Negligence:
•    File claims against Evolving Sound for mismanagement of registrations.
•    Litigation/Arbitration:
•    Proceed to arbitration or litigation if preliminary demands fail.

4. Long-Term Solutions
•    Centralize Registration:
•    Ensure all works are registered and managed exclusively under BMI.
•    Revise Publisher Agreement:
•    Terminate agreements with Evolving Sound if breaches are confirmed.
•    Implement stricter agreements for future publishing relationships.
•    Safeguards in Contracts:
•    Define clear terms for ownership, registration, royalty reporting, and dispute resolution.
•    Engage Royalties Specialist:
•    Hire a professional for ongoing monitoring and management of royalty collections.

5. Engage Legal Counsel

Legal counsel specializing in entertainment law should:
•    Draft and issue formal demand letters.
•    Negotiate with ASCAP, BMI, and Evolving Sound.
•    File claims for contract breaches, copyright infringement, and unjust enrichment.
•    Represent CLIENT in arbitration or court proceedings if necessary.

Conclusion

This approach emphasizes evidence-based advocacy, structured legal action, and long-term preventive measures. By holding ASCAP and Evolving Sound accountable and streamlining processes under BMI, CLIENT can mitigate future risks and recover lost royalties effectively.