On January 15th, the Department of Justice announced it has ended its two-year review of the 80-year old consent decrees that govern the operation of the largest music
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Ninth Circuit Vacates Verdict in Stairway to Heaven Copyright Action: Missteps in Jury Instructions Result in Remand for New Trial
Among copyright lawyers, Stairway to Heaven may become known not just for its abstract lyrics and acclaimed guitar solo, but also for the legal rulings that upended a jury verdict
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Can Congress Do Something Right? The Music Modernization Act and Why It Matters
John Simson writes:
The House of Representatives unanimously passed the Music Modernization Act last week by a vote of 415-0! Imagine our divided Congress passing anything with no opposition. This
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Coachella Organizers Challenge Use of “Filmchella” for Film Festival
Fox associates Megan Center and Elizabeth Patton wrote a duo of posts for Fox’s advertising law blog Above the Fold examining a trademark dispute surrounding the term “Coachella.” The case
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Erin M. Jacobson: How Spotify Has Waged War With The Music Industry
Los Angeles-based IP lawyer Erin M. Jacobson recently penned a piece describing the ongoing dispute between members of the music industry and music streaming service Spotify, and arguing against Spotify’s
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Some Essential Facts About Music Performance Rights Organizations
1. Registration of a song with a PRO does not provide any copyright protection.
The most common misunderstanding I encounter from songwriters is that registering their songs with one of
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Bob Gaudio Tells Spotify To Walk Like a Man
Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming service, was sued last week for over $366 million by two music publishers, Bluewater Music Services in Nashville and a group of companies affiliated
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The Right Rights For Your Broadway Jukebox
The Jukebox musical is alive and well and living on Broadway. From the songs of Gloria Estefan to Carole King, from Frankie Valli to Abba, we are amidst a 20-year
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Supreme Court: The Slants Keep Their Name – “Disparagement” Clause Violates the First Amendment
Charlie Nelson Keever writes:
The Supreme Court ruled this morning that a federal law that prohibits the government from registering trademarks that “disparage” others violates the First Amendment.
The Eagles Say Suite Dreams to Hotel California in Trademark Infringement Suit
The iconic American rock band The Eagles released its platinum album “Hotel California” in December of 1976. It sold more than 32 million
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