Weekly Copyright Update

March 11, 2016

Are There Signs Google Is Going to Acquire Spotify?

BY OMID KORDESTANI: Is Google seriously considering acquiring Spotify? Several tech and music industry pundits are speculating that a sale is in the works, and there are some real signs that they may be right. It’s no secret that Spotify loses money quarter after quarter, and that those losses accelerate with each new ad-supported user. There have also been recent signs that the major labels, who as Spotify stockholders would gain millions after a purchase, are becoming almost as restless as musicians are over the size of their Spotify checks. READ MORE…

Music Videos Leap from Entertainment to Experience

BY ANNE KINGS:The talent-hunting reality shows may have started it, but music videos in general, and social media sites, YouTube in particular, have transformed and rebranded music and their artists from entertainment to a lifestyle experience. The interactive component in shows like American Idol, America’s Got Talent, The Voice, and their various versions have given their millions of viewers part of the power to decide who wins and who loses. READ MORE…

Author Sues Google For Copyright Infringement For Copying His ‘Philosophy’ In TV Ad

FROM TECHDIRT: Peterson has filed a lawsuit on behalf of author Erick DeBanff, who appears to be trying to build some sort of “self-help” empire around living your life “to the max.” The lawsuit is against Google for copyright infringement, because it appears that Google used a kind of trite message in a commercial about making every moment matter — and it was the same way that Debanff subtitled his book. DeBanff’s book is called “Vie Max” which also seems to be the name of the movement/fad/concept/something that he’s selling. But the subtitle is “How to live the next 2 billion heartbeats of your life to the max.” READ MORE…

Led Zeppelin Embroiled in Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

BY CAL JEFFREY: The members of the band Led Zeppelin have been accused of plagiarism by the heirs of Randy Craig Wolfe, guitarist for the 1960’s band Spirit. The dispute involves the songs, “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin released in 1971 and a 1968 song titled “Taurus” by Spirit. Plaintiffs claim that Led Zeppelin plagiarized portions of “Taurus,” specifically a guitar progression that is very similar to both songs. READ MORE…

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