Category archives: publishing

DOJ, Google Want 100% Licensing? Let Them Have It [DAVID LOWERY]

While Google and the Department of Justice may be under the impression that 100% licensing is going to help them in some way, the reality is that this new ruling will introduce innumerable complexities into the world of licensing, making their lives significantly more chaotic, says David Lowery. _________________________________ Guest…

Smooth Move: Copyright Holders Take Down Katie Ledecky/Carlos Santana Mashup

A video synching up swimmer Katie Ledecky’s recent Olympic victory with the universally recognized opening guitar riff from the song "Smooth" was recently pulled from Twitter over copyright concerns, unfortunate for a number of reasons, particularly the violation of fair use. __________________________________ Guest Post by Mike Masnick on Techdirt By…

DOJ vs. ASCAP

In this piece, Stephen Carlisle reviews how the new consent decree verdict handed down by the Department of Justice shifts the status quo for licensing for the worse, and looks at some steps that could potentially be taken in order for it to be amended. ____________________________________ Guest Post by Stephen…

Universal Music Wins $20M Global Eagle Entertainment Settlement

Universal Music is $20 million richer today after a settling a 2 year old legal battle with American Airlines inflight entertainment provider Global Eagle Entertainment. ____________________________________ Universal Music has settled its long running lawsuit against Global Eagle Entertainment for $20 million. In addition to the settlement, Global Eagle will issue…

Why You Must License Your Samples

Here we learn from pioneering hip-hop group De La Soul’s sample licensing woes the importance of getting proper clearance for sample use early one, and why doing so is important both when it comes to making music available to fans, and avoiding lawsuits in an increasingly litigious industry. ____________________________ Guest…

Inspiration Leads To Lawsuit: Ed Sheeran Sued For Two Songs Sounding Similar To Old Songs

Popular singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran has been slapped with two lawsuits on the somewhat arbitrary grounds that his songs have stolen ‘the heart’ of compositions written Matt Cardle and, once again, Marvin Gaye, recently in the legal news following the infamous ‘Blurred Lines’ case. ________________________________ Guest Post by Mike Masnick on…