The Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) has been reaching out to dealerships across Minnesota about the licensing requirements for televisions in waiting rooms. While the MPLC is a legitimate organization (MADA does not endorse the MPLC or its products), your dealership is not necessarily violating federal law by choosing not to purchase the MPLC’s products.
In general, if your dealership displays TV programs or movie content, you need a “public performance” license. However, if you’re using a “single receiving apparatus” that is commonly found in private homes (e.g., cable or satellite), you are likely exempt from this requirement for broadcast TV programming. Note that this exemption does not apply if you use extra speakers or an enhanced sound system.
Penalties for failing to obtain a license can be substantial. They can range from $750 to $30,000 per violation with higher amounts possible for “willful” violations.
If your dealership has a business television package and the MPLC alleges that you are not licensed, you may want to consider checking with your current licensing provider to ensure that your package includes the necessary commercial use licenses. You may then choose to send the MPLC written confirmation from your current provider verifying your licensing status. If the MPLC threatens to report your dealership after you’ve sent the written verification, please contact MADA’s Internal Legal Counsel.
