November 3, 2015

BMI May Recover More Than Minimum Statutory Damages After Nightclub's Default

BMI v. Crocodile Rock Corp., No. 14-3891 (3d Cir. Oct. 30, 2015) (non-precedential opinion).

The Third Circuit held that performance rights organization BMI could recover a default judgment for more than the minimum statutory damages available under the Copyright Act.  The Court found that so long as the award falls within the limits set by statute, the trial court's discretion and sense of justice were controlling in setting the amount of the award, even in the case of a default judgment and where the defendant's alleged profits are less than the amount awarded.  Accordingly, the $35,000 award of statutory damages was affirmed.