Is it true that no one can own a dance step? That is what video game publisher Epic Games is arguing in a motion to dismiss that it filed on February 11 in a federal case that was brought by Terrence “2 Milly” Ferguson.
Category: Copyright
The U.S. Supreme Court is not only looking at an interesting trademark case, but also a copyright concern that has the potential to have a major impact on copyright infringement litigation.
A Los Angeles jury found that rock band Led Zeppelin did not plagiarize the opening riff to the hit song Stairway to Heaven. The estate of Randy Wolfe originally brought the copyright infringement suit against the rock legends on the grounds that they believed that Zeppelin stole the original riff from a 1968 song released […]
By this point everyone has seen the picture of Michael Jordan crying at his Hall of Fame induction, as it is being used on memes everywhere. Can use of this photo in a meme get you sued? Copyright law grants exclusive rights of an original work to its creator, in this case the Associated Press. […]
Virtual private networks (“VPNs”) and other blocking proxies allow users to hide their IP address in order to make themselves appear to be in another country. People do this in order to access content not otherwise accessible in their country. For instance, Netflix provides different shows and movies depending on the country in which one […]
This past Monday, as the remaining NFL teams begin preparations for the next round of playoff football, BWP Media USA Inc. began an off-field battle with Bleacher Report, Inc. by filing a civil lawsuit against the sports and entertainment media company for copyright infringement. According to the lawsuit, the popular sports website run by Bleacher […]
For those in fear of violating Title 17 of the United States Code the next time they attend a friend’s birthday party, you are now in luck. This past Tuesday, United States District Judge George H. King ruled that Warner Music Group’s (“Warner/Chappell”) claim of copyright in the song “Happy Birthday” was legally ineffective, therefore […]
The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has ruled that cheerleader uniforms are eligible for federal copyright protection. Varsity Brands, Inc., Varsity Spirit Corporation, Varsity Spirit Fashions & Supplies, Inc. sued Star Athletica, LLC alleging five counts of copyright infringement in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee […]
One of the most publicized legal issues in Sports Law today deals with athletes’ right to publicity, and the infringement on these rights by companies seeking to capitalize on player names, images, and likenesses. The elements of a Right of Publicity claim vary from state to state, but there is a good deal of overlap […]
Music publishing companies are extremely valuable to the future of recording artists and groups in the music industry. Most artists are typically concerned about securing their first major recording deal with a top label; as a result, they fail to see the importance behind obtaining or forming a publishing company. There are many record labels […]