The owner of a Grand Rapids night club is being sued in federal court for copyright infringement over music played in his club.
Mark London and his company, Lady Godiva's,allegedly played music by Rivers Cuomo, R. Kelly and Amy Winehouse without compensating BMI , the music licensing arm of the industry.
The suit alleges that on September 27, 2010, "Say it Ain't So" by Rivers Cuomo and Weezer , "Ignition" by R. Kelly, and "You know I'm no good" by Amy Winehouse were all played in the club, located at 234 Market Avenue.
At this writing, London has not filed a reply with the court. He faces civil penalties and/or fines.
Later Tuesday, he told 24 Hour News 8 he tried to pay the licensing fees to BMI, but they insist on reclassifying his club. Other licensing organizations, like ASCAP, recognize Lady Godiva's as a nightclub, but BMI classifies it as adult entertainment.
That classification carries a larger licensing cost.
Grand Rapids city ordinance does not allow adult entertainment. London said he sent checks to BMI at the nightclub rate, but they refuse to accept those checks.
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