The DO go after venues. But most typically places like arenas and other large performance areas. For example, in a smaller city, they might not pursue a privately owned club. I am sure that in LA that is probably more common though.

Sean beeson

Can Nickelback sue themselves for plaigairism, though?

Nickelback should sue themselves...but for larger crimes against humanity.

And they most definitely go after small clubs and venues. They have reps from both Ascap and BMI to go check out venues from time to time (you may be a snitch, but what a cool job would that be, going to bars and listening to music?)

But what they really need is a license from ASCAP or BMI, (that sticker you see when you go in a joint) and the fees they pay for that license is a blanket license for any and all songs played at that venue. Even tiny restaurants that just play a local radio station are supposed to have a license.

But true non-profits don't need one. I used to run a non-profit live theater in California and we never had a problem with song usage for anything. We would pay royalties and other fees for the script and performances, but that was it.

Tony

This is largely off topic, but I heard once that midi files cannot be copyrighted, is this true?

False.