Posted inSettlements

Dispute Comes Full Circle

Close-up of an open sheet music book with handwritten notes in the margins. The music is printed in black and white, with visible staves and musical notations, suggesting a classical or orchestral piece.
The right in copyright

Moments before trial was recently scheduled to take place, the parties associated in a songwriting copyright lawsuit reached a settlement.  Austin Post, who is more recognized by his stage name, Post Malone, was sued in 2020 following a disagreement with Tyler Armes.  Due to his apparent guitar chord contribution to the song “Circles,” Armes claimed that he should have been paid specific royalties.  According to his argument, Armes contends that he was presented with the contract to receive five percent of the song’s royalties, however, once he began negotiations to increase that percentage, the offer was rescinded. 

2 minutes
Posted inSettlements

Lawsuit Did Not Sway in Ribeiro’s Favor

Close-up of a ballet dancer's feet in pointe shoes, showing the intricate crossed ribbons and well-worn satin against a neutral background. The dancer is poised on their toes, highlighting the grace and strength required for this position.
Copy that!

Anyone who is a fan of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is privy to the “Carlton Dance.” Alfonso Ribeiro’s character is responsible for performing the iconic dance move. Despite the dance’s popular recognition, the US Copyright Office has refused to protect the dance move as a copyrighted work of choreography. While Ribeiro does not technically own the move, it did not stop him from taking legal action against the producers of the video games NBA 2K and Fortnite in December 2018. In the games, players are provided the option to have their virtual character perform the “Carlton Dance” as a way of expressing celebration.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Things Get Stranger: Man Sues Netflix

Silhouetted trees frame a dramatic sky with vibrant purple clouds. Multiple bright lightning bolts illuminate the scene, creating a striking contrast and showcasing the power of the storm.
There’s a storm coming

Netflix has had tons of success in the last few years, rising from the ashes to become a technology powerhouse. The business model is a low cost, subscription-based service providing content to consumers who love their tv shows and movies. One of the most successful pieces of original content is the Netflix-original Stranger Things, a sci-fi / fantasy series about kids in the 1980s who experience (you guessed it) “strange things”. Even stranger is that the now famous images used to promote the show, which an ominous thunderstorm system moving through the clouds, allegedly infringes on a Montana photographer’s copyright. As such, he is taking Netflix to court and seeking damages regarding this misuse of his image.

2 minutes