When the owner of a public space plays recorded music, she must obtain a license for the public performance of the copyrighted musical work. American copyright laws require the owner to only obtain one license for the song copyright, whereas in other countries, owners are … [Read more...] about European Songwriters Pressure US to Change Copyright Exception
copyright
Costume Copyright Case Haunts the Supreme Court on Halloween
On Halloween this past Monday, costumes were not only on the minds of trick-or-treaters and partygoers, but also of the eight Supreme Court Justices, who heard a copyright case concerning cheerleader costumes. According to the Wall Street Journal, Varsity Brands Inc., the … [Read more...] about Costume Copyright Case Haunts the Supreme Court on Halloween
Is “Uptown Funk” the new “Blurred Lines”?
Minneapolis college funk band, Collage, has sued Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars for copyright infringement over the 2014 hit song "Uptown Funk." According to Pitchfork, the complaint claims the track is a "strikingly and/or substantially similar copy" of a Collage song entitled … [Read more...] about Is “Uptown Funk” the new “Blurred Lines”?
“Young Money, Cash Money” Records May Need to Change Its Name to “Young, But No Money”
Lil’ Wayne has been keeping his attorneys extremely busy the past two years, and with his latest $40 million case it looks like there is no end in sight. The first suit came in early 2015, when the rapper petitioned the court to release him from his contract with record label … [Read more...] about “Young Money, Cash Money” Records May Need to Change Its Name to “Young, But No Money”
To Deal or Not To Deal, That is the Question for Music Publishers
Despite marketing itself as a law-abiding and musician-friendly service since its launch in 2006, Spotify’s latest lawsuit settlement has helped unmask its less than aboveboard practices. Several months ago, the National Music Publisher’s Association (NMPA) sued the popular music … [Read more...] about To Deal or Not To Deal, That is the Question for Music Publishers