The Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS) has filed a rare private prosecution against Slim Entertainment, the operator of Catwalk KTV Lounge, for allegedly playing copyrighted songs without a licence.
Located at the Textile Centre along Jalan Sultan, Catwalk KTV Lounge operates as both a nightclub and karaoke venue. According to COMPASS, the establishment publicly performed songs from its licensed catalogue — including works by some of the region’s biggest names like Jay Chou and JJ Lin — without first obtaining the necessary public performance licences required under the Copyright Act. Despite multiple letters and notices from COMPASS, the company reportedly failed to respond.
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In an unusual step, two COMPASS licensing executives conducted an undercover visit to the lounge. They booked a private room as regular customers, sang copyrighted tracks from COMPASS’ repertoire, and recorded their experience as evidence of the unauthorised performances. Following their investigation, the case was brought to court, where Catwalk KTV Lounge was charged with 20 counts of infringement — 10 relating to musical works and 10 to lyrics.
When the company failed to appear in court, the District Judge found all charges proven “beyond reasonable doubt.” Sentencing is expected to take place in December, with each charge carrying a potential fine of up to S$40,000. This marks one of the few instances where a private prosecution has been initiated by COMPASS in Singapore, underscoring the seriousness of copyright enforcement in the local music scene.
For Singapore’s artists, composers, and publishers, the case signals the importance of protecting intellectual property and ensuring that creators are rightfully compensated for their work. COMPASS, which represents the rights of over 19.5 million musical works in Singapore, said the prosecution was necessary to uphold the rights of its members and to remind businesses of their legal obligations when using music publicly.
For KTV and nightlife operators, the case is a strong reminder that licensing isn’t optional — it’s a key part of supporting the ecosystem that keeps Singapore’s music industry thriving. Whether the music comes from a live band or a karaoke screen, venues must ensure they have the appropriate licences in place.
As the city’s live entertainment sector continues to bounce back, this case stands as a cautionary tale for venue owners — and a statement of assurance to songwriters and artists that their work won’t go unprotected.
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