Copyright & Media Update 11/3/17

November 3, 2017

The California Supreme Court Won’t Decide on Oldies Copyrights Until 2018

BY PAUL RESNIKOFF: Should copyrights extend to pre-1972 recordings?  The California Supreme Court won’t decide on this critical oldies copyright issue until next year. It’s a matter that affects virtually every oldies artist.  Not to mention their estates.  But it looks like we’re gonna have to wait for any momentous decisions on this one. READ MORE…

‘Minute Winner’ loses out in TV format copyright claim

BY GILLIAN M. DENNIS: Until recently, the only judicial decision on this question was back in 1989 in a case concerning the well-known talent show ‘Opportunity Knocks’. In that case, Hughie Green, the show’s author, producer and compere, argued that certain distinctive features repeated in every show, including the use of catchphrases (“this is your show folks, and I do mean you”), and a ‘clapometer’ to measure audience reaction to the competitors’ performances, were protected by copyright as literary and dramatic works. READ MORE…

Coming Soon: A Small Claims Court for Copyright Infringement

BY DANIEL SANCHEZ: If the CASE Act is passed, will musicians finally be able to fight back against piracy and theft? On October 4th, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Tom Marino (R-PA) introduced the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act.  The bipartisan solution would help “artists, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, songwriters, authors, and other creators” enforce their rights against unauthorized reproductions. READ MORE…

Stringer’s zingers: Five key takeaways from Sony CEO Rob Stringer’s Music Week interview

BY MARK SUTHERLAND: It’s the interview the entire global music industry has been waiting to read. Sony Music Entertainment CEO Rob Stringer has given his first major trade interview since graduating to the top job in April – and, of course, he gave it to Music Week. READ MORE…

Does Sharing A Link To Online Content Amount To Copyright Infringement?

BY KRISTA COX: Providing a link to content is a pretty standard way of pointing your friends, family, or colleagues to an interesting article you read, a funny picture you saw, or information you want to share. I know that I provide links on a daily basis, including them in blog posts, emails, articles, and briefs, or on Facebook and Twitter. READ MORE…

About Christian Copyright Solutions: CCS’s quest is to help churches and Christian ministries “do music right.” CCS is an expert on church music copyrights and our primary focus is providing licensing and clear educational resources to churches, as well as representation, administration, and advocacy for copyright owners. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel.

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