Search Results for: against me

The Geneva-based World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has ruled in favor of the Goo Goo Dolls after the act launched proceedings against a pornographic Web site with a “confusingly similar” domain name. The Goo Goo Dolls filed a complaint March 4 against John Zuccarini of the Bahamas, who had registered a site at googoodols.com, a practice known as “typo-squatting.” His site automatically linked to another with sexually explicit content and advertisements. WIPO declared that the domain name was registered in bad faith. Zuccarini – who has been involved in similar cases in the past, according to WIPO – was ordered… Read more »

Two bands have been comrades ever since Madden brothers became fans of Mest’s 2000 major-label debut. In the clip for “Jaded (These Years),” Mest reminisce about what life was like viewed through innocent eyes. It could have been a cliché that dates beyond Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days” were it not for the fact that Mest singer Tony Lovato’s eyes were never that innocent. “I didn’t grow up like normal kids, who go to high school, turn 18 and leave home to go to college,” Lovato said. “I always hung out with older kids. By the time I was 12, I… Read more »

A judge is deciding whether to throw out a suit against Madonna and her husband because the other lawyer didn’t show up. The suit was filed by Vincent D’Onofrio, not the actor, alleging Madonna and Guy Ritchie broke a contract that involved him bringing them the idea for remaking “Swept Away.” Madonna starred in the remake and Ritchie directed it. The film was both a critical and box office disaster. Madonna has since moved on with a guest starring role on “Will & Grace” and a new CD, “American Life.” D’Onofrio’s lawyer, Morris Getzels, missed a hearing because he says… Read more »

A federal court judge has surprised the entertainment industry by denying a request for a summary judgment that would shut down Grokster and Streamcast Networks. The precedent-setting ruling Friday by U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Wilson is a major blow against a pillar of the film and music business’ strategy against online piracy, which is to hold the underlying technology companies responsible. “It is undisputed that there are substantial noninfringing uses” for Grokster and Streamcast’s Morpheus, Wilson wrote in his decision. He cited Sony Corporation of America vs. Universal City Studios, the 1984 milestone usually referred to as the Betamax… Read more »

Record producer Kenneth Darnell Franklin has filed a multiple-count copyright infringement and breach-of-contract lawsuit against Percy Miller (aka Master P), his label, No Limit Records, Priority Records, and Capitol/EMI Music, among others. The suit – filed last week in Los Angeles Superior Court – alleges that material by rapper Clifton Dickson (aka Lil Italy) appeared without permission on the 1999 No Limit/Priority release “On Top of Da World.” The album, which reached No. 20 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart, has sold 76,000 units in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. The suit claims that Franklin, who does business as… Read more »

Skechers has filed a countersuit against Britney Spears, claiming fraud and breach of contract. The footwear company alleges the pop singer delayed decisions relating to product designs and advertising for Britney 4 Wheelers roller skates and apparel. A Skechers representative says they were “continuously shut down, rejected and ignored.” The complaint says Spears fraudulently induced Skechers into sponsoring her tour as a condition of getting the merchandise license. Spears filed her own suit against Skechers just before Christmas, claiming Skechers ran ads with her picture before her line of skates was available, which caused her to miss out on lucrative… Read more »

A reunion concert by two former members of 1960s band the Doors has sparked a lawsuit by a third member, who says they can call themselves “the Windows, the Hinges,” but not “the Doors.” Drummer John Densmore filed a legal action in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday charging breach of contract, trademark infringement and unfair competition against keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger. Manzarek and Krieger have joined forces with singer Ian Astbury, formerly of 1980s rock band the Cult, and drummer Stewart Copeland, formerly of rock trio the Police, to play a concert in Los Angeles… Read more »

Hoping to shine in one of the music industry’s few bright spots, Dreamworks Records on Wednesday announced a joint venture with newly-formed Melee Entertainment to release music DVDs that go beyond the typical concert video genre. With music video DVDs selling at a fast clip and in sharp contrast to the recording industry’s protracted decline in CD sales, Dreamworks and Melee hope in part to cash in on the trend while also developing a roster of creative talent. Melee president Bryan Turner, former co-owner and chief executive of Priority Records, an urban-slanted label sold to EMI Group Plc in 1998… Read more »

After a long struggle marked by false starts, frustration and fan indifference, commercial online music services see this year as the crucial second act of a hit show in the making. Since launching a year ago, subscription music services headed by the major label-backed ventures Pressplay and MusicNet have taken heat from music fans who compared them unfavorably with free peer-to-peer networks like now-idled Napster. But after expanded licensing deals and platform upgrades, these services and rivals Listen.com’s Rhapsody and FullAudio, are better armed to take on free services like Kazaa and Morpheus, which emerged in the wake of Napster’s… Read more »

In an historic decision handed down by a federal jury in Pittsburgh, PA, SESAC has been awarded more than $1.2 million in damages, including the maximum damages on 6 songs, in a copyright infringement litigation. The verdict was returned against WPNT, Inc., the operator of radio stations WLTJ-FM and WRRK-FM in Pittsburgh, and its president, Saul Frischling. In their complaint, SESAC and 15 affiliated music publishers alleged that on numerous occasions WPNT’s stations performed the music of SESAC-affiliated songwriters without authorization. SESAC sought statutory damages under U.S. Copyright Law Title 17 U.S.C. # 504 and charged willful infringement. The music… Read more »