Is a Bft franchisee required to ensure that all music played at the Studio is properly licensed?

According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for ensuring that all music played at their studio is properly licensed. This requirement extends to music played by the franchisee themselves or by their Authorized Instructors. The music must be appropriately licensed for use in connection with providing the Approved Services, or for any other purpose permitted by Bft.

This means that a Bft franchisee must obtain the necessary licenses and permissions from copyright holders or performing rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to legally play music in their studio. Failure to do so could result in copyright infringement lawsuits, fines, and other legal penalties. It is the franchisee's responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable copyright laws and regulations.

For a prospective Bft franchisee, this requirement highlights the importance of budgeting for music licensing fees and understanding the legal obligations associated with playing music in a commercial setting. It is advisable to consult with legal counsel to ensure full compliance with copyright laws and to obtain the appropriate licenses for all music played at the studio. This also underscores the need to only use music that is properly licensed for commercial use, and to avoid unauthorized recordings or streaming services that may not have the necessary rights.