February 28, 2014

Publisher Not Liable For Contributory Liability In Sampling Case Because Lacked Knowledge

Prior v. Warner/Chappel, No. 13-4344 (C.D. Cal. Feb. 20, 2014).

The court dismissed plaintiff's contributory copyright infringement claim against defendant music publisher because the complaint failed to allege the defendant "knew or had reason to know that [the song] included an unauthorized, infringing sample...".  Moreover, the complaint failed to plausibly allege how the defendant knew that the directly infringing defendants would infringe as a result of the publisher's licensing of the song.

February 26, 2014

NAPSTER Trademark Action Continues In California

Rhapsody Int'l, Inc. v. Lester & Napster.fm, Index No. C 13-05489 CRB (N.D. Cal., Feb. 24, 2014).

The Court denied defendants' motions to dismiss the trademark infringement case, concerning the mark NAPSTER, for failure to state a claim, lack of jurisdiction and improper venue.  The Court found that plaintiff stated a claim for trademark infringement, dilution, cybersquatting, unfair competition, and unfair business practices.  The Court also found that plaintiff made a prima facie showing of personal jurisdiction, and that transfer to Virginia for defendants' convenience was insufficient to warrant transfer.

February 24, 2014

Blacked Eyed Peas Not Liable For Infringement In Absence Of Access And Lack Of Similarity

Pringle v. Adams, No. 12-55998 (9th Cir. Feb. 21, 2014).

The 9th Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the defendants -- the Black Eyed Peas and related parties -- in a copyright infringement case.  The Court found: "The evidence in support of Plaintiff, however, raises only the barest possibility that Defendants had access to [the song], and Plaintiff does not argue that there is a 'striking similarity' between [the song] and Defendants’ allegedly infringing work."  The 9th Circuit also affirmed sanctions against plaintiff for violating a court order regarding service of process on one of the defendants.