BMI — BMI

BMI (BMI) is a performing rights organisation in united states. Businesses playing music publicly must hold a licence from BMI. Track Studios' AI catalog is not registered with BMI — venues using Track Studios are not invoiced.

Overview

BMI (BMI) is a performing rights organisation that licenses the public performance of musical compositions (melodies and lyrics). Founded in 1939, it operates in united states and manages licensing for businesses that play music publicly.

Founded: 1939
Type: Performing rights (compositions)
Country: United States
Website: https://www.bmi.com

How BMI Fees Are Calculated

BMI uses tariff codes to calculate fees by venue type. Examples: Restaurant (Background Music General Licence): approximately USD 360–500/year; Retail Store (Background Music General Licence): approximately USD 360–500/year. Fees are typically calculated on the basis of seats.

Venue Type	Tariff Code	Basis	Typical Annual Cost
Restaurant	`Background Music General Licence`	seats	USD 360–500/year
Retail Store	`Background Music General Licence`	area	USD 360–500/year

Apply for BMI licence

How to Avoid BMI Fees

Businesses can avoid BMI fees by using music that is not registered with BMI. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with BMI — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.

Start free trial — no BMI invoices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BMI (BMI)?: BMI (BMI) is a performing rights organisation based in united states. Founded in 1939, it collects fees from businesses that play copyrighted music compositions publicly and distributes them to rights holders.
Does my business need an BMI licence?: If your business plays commercially released music in a public-facing space — restaurant, shop, gym, hotel lobby, etc. — you are legally required to hold an BMI licence. Using Track Studios' included AI catalog exempts you from BMI licensing for that music.
How does BMI calculate its fees?: BMI calculates fees based on factors including venue size, number of seats, or annual turnover depending on the venue type. Contact BMI directly for a quote.
Can I avoid BMI fees legally?: Businesses can avoid BMI fees by using music that is not registered with BMI. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with BMI — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.
What happens if my business plays music without an BMI licence?: BMI can issue a civil claim for back-fees covering the period of unlicensed use, plus additional damages. BMI employs field inspectors who visit businesses unannounced to verify compliance.