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IS THIS BURGER JOINT’S RADIO COMMERCIAL OFF-BASE?

Our discussion of radio commercials that infringe upon copyrighted songs prompted emails from two Loyal Readers.

Tim Burt writes:

“True story… a local jeweler is using a copyrighted song in their commercials.

“It is a very obscure song by a relatively unknown artist. Once I determine this would be subject to copyright infringement, I asked for — AND RECEIVED — a copy of the agreement for the licensing.

“Needless to say, I was stunned. So while it is very rare, this paperwork can be obtained.”

The second Loyal Reader sent me this spot that apparently is airing in a small market in Michigan.

While Tim’s example of a local jeweler’s ad involved a song by “a relatively unknown artist,” this radio advertisement uses a very well-known song by a very well-known artist:


I’m amazed that a local burger joint was able to afford a license to use Meghan Trainor’s song.

I’m also surprised Meghan licensed it to them. Perhaps she’s old friends with the owners…

Or maybe she’s just crazy about burgers, pizza and fish fries. (I have no idea what fish fries are, and I’m not sure I want to find out.)

But somehow they must’ve obtained a license. I’m told this commercial is airing on several radio stations in the area, and of course those stations wouldn’t have agreed to broadcast a commercial that otherwise would appear to be a clear copyright violation.

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  • Ted Morro April 16, 2015, 11:12 am

    Valid Point , far too many people ignore

  • Dennis McAtee April 16, 2015, 11:28 am

    I can remember at least one cease-and-desist in the market where I reside over something similar.

  • Dennis McAtee April 16, 2015, 11:28 am

    I can remember at least one cease-and-desist in the market where I reside over something similar.

  • Nick Summers April 16, 2015, 10:35 am

    Somebody’s getting away with murder!

  • Dennis McAtee April 16, 2015, 6:26 pm

    I can remember at least one cease-and-desist in the market where I reside over something similar.

  • J April 16, 2015, 3:35 pm

    Come here to Escanaba and I will take you out for a fish fry Dan. And show you that not all radio stations run crappy commercials like that. Or illegal for that matter.

  • Dan O'Day April 16, 2015, 3:46 pm

    @J : Oh! I can guess what a fish fry is. I thought she was saying “fish fries…”

  • Rgonzalez April 16, 2015, 7:51 pm

    Maybe a good fan or a friend will ask her?