ABSTRACT
A U.S. performing rights organization that licenses music on behalf of songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers.
ASCAP was established in 1914. The organization has over 300,000 members. The society licenses nearly every genre of music with the exception of nondramatic works, and distributes royalties to its members from radio, television, the Internet, and live performances. According to the organization’s articles of association, ASCAP’s objective is to act as a supporter of reforms in U.S. intellectual property law and promote uniformity in international intellectual property law, by entering into agreements with similar associations in foreign countries. Furthermore, the articles state that ASCAP facilitates the administration of copyright laws, arbitrates differences between its members and others in regard to public performance, and advocates against music piracy.
