Rock legend Bruce Springsteen on Tuesday warded off a last-ditch challenge to a London court victory won by him nearly three years ago in respect of unauthorized use of his music.
In a complex case watched closely by the international music community, the High Court in 1998 blocked British company Masquerade Music from releasing an album of the star’s earlier work.
That decision was upheld by the Appeal Court earlier this year and now three law lords in the country’s highest court have given it their backing as well.
After a private hearing and without giving any reasons for their decision, Lords Nicholls, Hoffman and Hobhouse refused leave for Masquerade, Ron Winter – the man behind Masquerade – and Sony Music Entertainment Inc to appeal against the earlier rulings.
It had been argued among other things that earlier findings that Springsteen’s copyright had been breached were based on evidence which should never have been admitted before the court. However, that claim has now been rejected by all the courts.
The long-running legal battle has centered on a CD called “Before the Fame.” After the 1998 ruling, Springsteen said he was defending the ownership of his music.
