PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers said it is suing Fish Co. in Providence, alongside 10 other venues nationwide, for allegedly “permitting unauthorized public performances of its members’ copyrighted musical works.” ASCAP said it is a nonprofit organization that represents “over one million songwriters” and helps them license their music for public performance, collecting licensing fees, and distributing royalties to its members. ASCPA added that it has “repeatedly” attempted to contact Fish Co. and the other named businesses to allow them to purchase a license to allow the performance of copyrighted songs, but “have repeatedly refused to take or honor a license.” “We want every business that uses music to prosper, including bars and restaurants,” ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams said. “As songwriters and composers, we must earn our livelihoods through our creative work, and music is how we put food on the table and send our kids to school. Most businesses know that an ASCAP license allows them to offer music legally, efficiently and at a reasonable price – while compensating music creators fairly.” ABC6 has reached out to Fish Co. and is awaiting a response. More information on the lawsuit can be found here. Categories: News, Providence, Rhode Island