Recordings

Get the latest headlines in the music industry—including the artists, the recording business, copyright and trademark infringement, and more.

Jay-Z, Kanye West Targeted for Copyright Infringement Suit
Aug 25, 2011

Archival record label and media company the Numero Group says it is readying a copyright infringement lawsuit against Island Def Jam Records.

Split Ruling in EMI, MP3tunes Copyright Case
Aug 24, 2011

Cloud-based music services do not have to obtain special licensing from record companies, according to the recent ruling in a lawsuit between major label EMI and MP3tunes, a website that enables users to store songs in the internet "cloud."

In 2007, EMI sued MP3tunes, alleging that by allowing users to search for free songs via the internet and store them in personal cloud-based "lockers," MP3tunes engaged in copyright infringement.

Judge William Pauley's ruling allowed both parties to claim a partial victory.

Musicians and Record Labels Brace for Another Copyright Battle
Aug 24, 2011

Another legal fight is brewing between recording artists and record labels, and this one could be a battle royale, according to the New York Times.

The Times recently reported on a 1978 copyright law that allows musicians to reclaim all the rights to a record 35 years after the album is initially released.

Grooveshark sued by Grand Funk Railroad musician
Aug 1, 2011

Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad and other Nashville-based musicians have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against internet music service Grooveshark.

Another plaintiff, composer David Hoffner, told The Nashville Tennessean Grooveshark streams copyrighted music without permission, including about 20 songs he wrote.

Grooveshark allows users to upload music to its website, where listeners access the tunes.

David LaChapelle's Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Against Rihanna to Go to Trial
Jul 26, 2011

Recording artist, Rihanna, is being sued by photographer, David LaChapelle over allegations that her music video for the song, "S&M" copied LaChapelle's previous work in several instances.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the New York federal judge overseeing the case has approved LaChapelle's main claim of copyright infringement to go to trial, but has dismissed sveral of the other allegations.

LaChapelle sued Rihanna, Black Dog Films and Def Jam Records in February claimin