Running From Blanket Licensing: How Fitness Platforms Do Not Sync With Current Music Licensing Procedure

Authors

Kathryn Defranco

First Page

713

Abstract

Online Fitness Platforms, like Peloton, have become ubiquitous in a modern post-Covid world. Fitness classes are catered to the musical interests of their users, increasing user satisfaction. Although technology has advanced to accommodate the remote fitness industry, the legal structures in place for synchronization licenses have not. Such platforms have a unique need to clear music on a quick and consistent basis that does not break the bank. Downtown Music Publishing LLC v. Peloton Interactive, Inc., highlights the necessity for a federal statutory scheme similar to those used for other music licenses. A solution that protects competition but does not act as an impediment to creative innovation is required. Therefore, this Note analyzes differentiated music license practices and the precedent created through past litigation and proposes legislative action to create a federal regulatory scheme to monitor synchronization licenses and promote fairness for artists and like business models.

Recommended Citation

Kathryn Defranco, Running From Blanket Licensing: How Fitness Platforms Do Not Sync With Current Music Licensing Procedure, 18 Brook. J. Corp. Fin. & Com. L. 713 (2024).
Available at: https://brooklynworks.brooklaw.edu/bjcfcl/vol18/iss2/7