CTlawreview.com - Pop superstars such as Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga don't make many live appearances in Connecticut. But their music is frequently played in bars, restaurants and other businesses.

Legally, the playing of that music—on the radio, or via a compact disc or MP3 players—in a commercial establishment is considered a "public performance." Technically, the bar or restaurant must pay a licensing organization.

Many don't. And that can lead to copyright infringement claims that sometimes evolve into full-fledged lawsuits.

Greater Hartford's Plan B Burger Bar chain, Cheshire's Waverly Inn and Willimantic's Lucky Frog are current targets of music copyright infringement suits, federal court records show. Continue