copyright News

States Shielded From Copyright Suits, Supreme Court Rules

The U.S. Supreme Court said copyright owners can’t sue for damages when a state government pilfers their work, ruling against businesses in a case stemming from the wreckage of the pirate Blackbeard’s flagship. The justices on Monday unanimously said states …

Katy Perry Wins ‘Dark Horse’ Trial, Calming Music Industry

Led Zeppelin’s win in a copyright infringement lawsuit over the opening chords of “Stairway to Heaven” is providing a boost to other songwriters and producers fighting similar allegations. Katy Perry on Tuesday had a $2.8 million jury verdict thrown out …

Radio Group Sued for Playing Songs Thousands of Times Without Paying

Global Music Rights, a group that represents artists such as Drake and Bruce Springsteen, is suing radio-station owner Entravision Communications Corp. for allegedly playing its songs without paying songwriters. Entravision has played more than 130 of Global Music Rights’ songs …

Google Argues Against U.S. Online Piracy Bill

Google Inc warned U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday that proposed legislation to crack down on foreign websites selling pirated U.S. movies, music or other counterfeit goods goes too far and could depress investment. The legislation has pit Internet giants, consumer groups …

Lucas Loses UK Battle Over Stormtrooper Helmets

The Empire has struck out. Britain’s Supreme Court on Wednesday defeated a bid by George Lucas’ company to stop a prop designer making and selling replicas of the iconic stormtrooper helmets from the “Star Wars” films. The court did, however, …

Polka Lawsuit: Wis. Man Sues Ex-Wife Over Tune

A Wisconsin polka musician is accusing his ex-wife and her new husband of stealing one of his most popular tunes. Ray Rubenzer of Chippewa Falls filed a federal copyright infringement lawsuit this week, alleging that his former wife and her …