Trump’s Campaign Faces the Music in Legal Dance-Off.
Get ready for a legal showdown that’s music to our ears! Donald Trump’s campaign rallies are known for their high energy, but recently, they’ve been hitting all the wrong notes. The campaign’s unauthorized use of iconic songs, including “Hold On… I’m Coming” by Sam and Dave, and hits from Beyoncé and Celine Dion, has sparked a legal frenzy.
- The current dance party dispute:
Remember that time Trump busted a move to Sam and Dave’s 1966 classic “Hold On, I’m Coming” at the NRA convention? Well, the family of Isaac Hayes, co-writer of the song, wasn’t exactly thrilled. In fact, they’re suing for copyright infringement, in fact, today, September 3, 2024, Hayes’ son is taking things to the next level with an emergency hearing in Atlanta. He’s got the Federal Court’s attention, and Trump’s legal team is now in the spotlight, required to appear in court.
- Other artists’ pleas ignored:
Beyoncé and Celine Dion are not just pop royalty, but also sticklers for rules. Both artists have made it crystal clear that they didn’t give permission for their tracks to play at Trump’s events. But the campaign seemed to adopt an “ignore and dance” approach, which could lead to some serious legal bills.
- The price of unauthorized use of copyrights:
Copyright infringement can be a costly affair. Performance rights organizations like BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) are on standby, with hefty fines. Under Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), using someone else’s work without proper licensing is a one-way ticket to Compensation Town, and it’s not a cheap trip, let me tell you!
- BMI and IPRS connection:
BMI isn’t just a random acronym as it’s a performing rights organization represents a vast array of music creators, ensuring they’re fairly compensated for their work. Meaning; If Trump’s campaign had secured a license from BMI, they could’ve used these tracks legally, but now, the campaign is facing a legal disputes and financial repercussions.
- The moral of this musical story:
Trump’s team might need to rethink their rally playlist and ensure getting the necessary permissions to avoid these legal dance-offs. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder that respecting IP rights isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits but to honor the artistry and hard work behind the music we love.
Stay tuned for a legal battle that’s about to get more intense!
Written by our Legal Consultant: Ms. Lubna Qarmash
