You ran the free self-check and now you know where you stand. The audit kit gives you the working documents to act on that result — whether you need to prove your exemption, respond to an ASCAP/BMI/SESAC demand letter, or just understand what the statute actually says in plain English.
What is in the kit
1. Speaker Inventory Worksheet
Room-by-room documentation of every loudspeaker and screen in your establishment, plus your total square footage and music source. This is the single most important piece of evidence if a PRO ever audits you or files suit. Fill it out, print it, and keep it on file.
2. Business Classification Flowchart
Plain-English decision tree to determine whether your business is "food-and-beverage" (3,750 sq ft threshold) or "non-F&B" (2,000 sq ft threshold). Covers edge cases for hybrid businesses like brewery taprooms, hotel restaurants, and medical offices with cafeterias.
3. PRO Demand Letter Response Templates
Three ready-to-send response letters for the most common scenarios: (a) "I qualify for the homestyle exemption — please cease and desist," (b) "I do not play public music at all — please cease and desist," (c) "I subscribe to a commercial music service that covers PRO licensing — please contact my service provider." Each template includes the statutory citation and space for your specific documentation.
4. Statute Quick Reference
The full text of 17 USC 101 (definitions), 17 USC 110(5) (homestyle exemption), and 17 USC 504(c) (statutory damages) with plain-English annotations and direct links to the Cornell LII source. No more searching for the actual statute — it is all in one document with the relevant parts highlighted.
Who this is for
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars under 3,750 sq ft that want to document their exemption
- Retail stores, salons, gyms, and offices under 2,000 sq ft
- Larger businesses that qualify via the equipment-limit path
- Any small business that received a demand letter and needs to respond
- Business owners considering a commercial music service who want to understand the licensing landscape first
Who this is NOT for
- Large venues clearly outside the exemption. If you operate a 10,000 sq ft nightclub with 20 speakers, you need PRO licenses or a commercial music service. This kit cannot change the math.
- Businesses with active litigation. If a PRO has filed a lawsuit against you, hire a copyright attorney immediately. These templates are for the pre-litigation stage only.
- Businesses outside the United States. 17 USC 110(5) is US federal law and does not apply internationally.
How it works
- Run the free self-check to determine your licensing status.
- Purchase the audit kit and download all 4 documents.
- Fill out the speaker inventory worksheet — takes about 15 minutes.
- If you have a demand letter, select the matching response template, fill in your details, and send it.
- Keep everything on file. If a PRO contacts you again, your documentation is ready.