SoundCloud’s Monetization Contract Has a Nasty Indemnification Clause — But Does It Matter?

Somebody read the fine print on SoundCloud’s new Premier monetization program. For many emerging artists, this probably won’t be a dealbreaker.  But there are a few land mines in SoundCloud’s user agreement for its just-launched monetization program. T…

Jurisdictional Showdown Continues In UMG v. FLVTO.biz; Defendant Will Remain In Russia

FLVTO.biz founder and owner Turig Kurbanov will not be appearing at an early November hearing in the U.S. against the major labels, according to information shared with DMN. According to Kurbanov’s legal team, the FLVTO.biz operator won’t appear for an…

Kendrick Lamar Must Face a Black Panther Copyright Infringement Suit, Judge Rules

Kendrick Lamar won’t escape so easily from ‘borrowing’ a visual artist’s unique work. A federal judge has ruled against Kendrick Lamar’s request for a win in a copyright infringement lawsuit. At the United States District Court of the Southern District…

FLVTO.biz’s Attorneys Remain on the Counter-Offensive Against the Major Labels — Is This Case Getting Tossed?

Attorneys for YouTube ‘stream ripper’ FLVTO.biz are raising serious jurisdictional questions in their defense against the major labels.  But that’s just one of several counter-attacks. Earlier this year, major labels Universal Music Group, Warner Music…

Tracy Chapman Files Suit Against Nicki Minaj for Copyright Infringement

Tracy Chapman is suing Nicki Minaj for using an unauthorized sample. The Minaj song is perhaps ironically titled “Sorry,” and features rapper Nas.  At this stage, we’re not sure if Nas will also be subject to legal penalties, though a lot could depend …

Philadelphia Songwriter Daniel Marino Awarded $44 Million for Being Left Off of an Usher Publishing Credit

Songwriter Daniel Marino has received more than $44 million in damages from a lawsuit targeting his co-writers. The Philadelphia-based writer alleged that he was cut out of profits and credit from a song written and recorded by Usher. A jury decided on…

Sony Music, UMG, and WMG Forcefully Respond to FLVTO.biz’s Motion to Dismiss

Major labels UMG, Sony, and WMG are now fighting to keep their case alive against YouTube ‘stream rippers’ FLVTO.biz and 2conv.com.  But is Virginia really the best venue? Earlier this week, DMN first reported that YouTube ‘stream ripper’ FLVTO.biz had…

The RIAA Suffers a Major Setback in Its Case Against Grande Communications

Unlike BMG with Cox Communications, the Recording Industry Association of American (RIAA) is struggling in its legal battle with ISP Grande Communications. Last April, the RIAA led a coordinated effort to take on Texas-based ISP Grande Communications. …

Exclusive: YouTube ‘Stream Ripper’ FLVTO.biz Aggressively Responds to the RIAA’s Lawsuit — Starting With a Motion to Dismiss

After a period of silence, FLVTO.biz and 2conv.com operator Tofig Kurbanov has emerged with an army of lawyers. You can call him a kingpin of YouTube stream rippers.  Now, Russia-based Tofig Kurbanov is aggressively battling back against an RIAA-led la…

Lindsey Buckingham Sues Fleetwood Mac for Kicking Him Out of the Group

Lindsey Buckingham has sued his former bandmates from Fleetwood Mac, stating they conspired to kick him out of the group without cause. Buckingham estimates he would have earned $14 million from the North American tour this year alone. The lawsuit was …