Songwriters can exhale after Ed Sheeran wins Plagiarism Lawsuit
Like too many other artists, Ed Sheeran was sued for alleged copyright infringement. In his case, it was Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” This time, the result brings relief. Continue reading
Can you copyright a rhythm? We’re about to find out
Can you copyright a rhythm? A lawsuit over a reggaeton rhythm could change songwriting and music forever – and not for the better. by Glyn Moody from Tech Dirt One. Continue reading
U.S. Copyright Office says AI songs can be copyrighted (sometimes)
One of the few calming thoughts for songwriters regarding AI compositions is that at least AI doesn’t have IP rights. But that may be changing… by Bobby Owsinski of Music. Continue reading
Eminem files objection to trademark of ‘Reasonably Shady’ podcast name
Rapper Marshall “Eminem” Mathers is on a legal mission to prove that he’s The Real Slim Shady after “Real Housewives of Potomac” stars Dixon and Bryant attempted to trademark “Reasonably. Continue reading
Music Business Law Basics for musicians
Here are some copyright law basics to help musicians navigate the music industry and know their rights. by Valerie Lovely of Berkeley Online You’re more likely to pave a successful. Continue reading
U.S. Copyright Office asks stakeholders about late fees for Royalties
U.S. Copyright Office announced that they are seeking stakeholders’ comments on when fees for late royalty payments should be assessed for digital music providers under the Music Modernization Act’s blanket. Continue reading
Supreme Court eyes Section 230 ruling that could be BAD for musicians
This week the U.S. Supreme Court began arguments on the Gonzalez and Taamneh cases, and their rulings either could dial back or eliminate existing protections that web platforms have from. Continue reading
Tax return shows six-figure MLC salaries as songwriters wait for $565M in unpaid royalties
Our friends at The Trichordist found the 2021 tax return for The Mechanical Licensing Collective, including what it pays its executives. Led by $665,307 for CEO Kristopher Ahrend, the staff. Continue reading
Chris Castle on the ‘Chesterton Fence’ and predictions for the Copyright Royalty Board
Regardless of how you feel about the compulsory license, it is definitely the case that songwriters have been poorly treated by the compulsory license rates in the U.S., and that. Continue reading
US Copyright Term Extensions end, but Public Domain still faces threats
Internet users recognized that ever-longer copyright terms impoverish the public conversation and benefit almost no one. by MITCH STOLTZ of Electronic Frontier Foundation We’re taking part in Copyright Week, a series. Continue reading
