COMPASS Launches Rare Copyright Case Against Karaoke Lounge

The Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS) has initiated an unusual private prosecution against Slim Entertainment, the owner of the Catwalk karaoke lounge located in the Textile Centre on Jalan Sultan. The case, opened on October 22, 2024, alleges that the KTV lounge unlawfully played music, including popular works by artists like Jay Chou and JJ Lin, without the necessary licenses, breaching the Copyright Act.

During the legal proceedings, COMPASS presented evidence indicating that Slim Entertainment failed to respond to multiple requests for compliance. Two licensing executives from COMPASS, Ms Claire Lee and Mr Gerald Ng, took the initiative to book a room at Catwalk to gather firsthand evidence of the copyright infringement. Their testimony revealed that they recorded performances of several songs as part of their investigation.

The hearing saw the defendant absent, leading the judge to find Slim Entertainment guilty of all twenty charges filed under the Copyright Act. This included ten counts related to the music compositions and another ten concerning the lyrics of the songs in question.

In their opening statement, lawyers representing COMPASS described the organization as a non-profit collective management body regulated by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore. They manage around 19.5 million musical and literary works on behalf of creators, including composers and publishers. The court heard that COMPASS had made repeated attempts to engage with Slim Entertainment regarding the licensing fees but received no response.

Testimonies revealed that despite being served a notice to attend court, representatives from Slim Entertainment did not engage further. After a meeting on October 2, 2024, where Slim Entertainment’s director inquired about copyright requirements, COMPASS followed up with an email detailing the necessary steps to obtain the required licenses.

The absence of response from Slim Entertainment prompted COMPASS to take further action. Mr Ng emphasized the detrimental impact of such non-compliance on music creators, stating, “They deprive the music writers of the royalties that are due to them.” He added that COMPASS is committed to protecting the rights of music writers and will take necessary legal measures against violators.

The judge found that the prosecution established all twenty charges against Slim Entertainment beyond a reasonable doubt. Sentencing has been scheduled for December, with potential fines reaching up to S$40,000 for each infringement. If an individual had been convicted, penalties could include a fine of up to S$20,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by copyright management organizations in enforcing intellectual property rights, particularly in the entertainment industry. COMPASS’s decision to pursue legal action underscores its dedication to safeguarding the interests of music creators in Singapore.