Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

<b>Decision of Note: </b>Artist's 'Assent' Doesn't Convey Renewal Rights

By ALM Staff | Law Journal Newsletters |
July 27, 2006

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York decided that a co-publishing agreement between two companies that the 'mysterious and extravagantly garbed street performer' Louis 'Moondog' Hardin signed in assent didn't convey the renewal rights in Hardin's songs. Guardian Music Corp. v. James W. Guercio Enterprises Inc., 03 Civ. 9687.

Granting Guercio's motion for summary judgment, the district court noted: '[T]he Co-Publishing Agreement does not include Hardin as a party. ' Moreover, the same paragraph that requires Hardin's assent does so 'after the Agreement has been duly executed by both of the [publishing] parties hereto.' No substantive clause other than the one requiring Hardin's assent mentions Hardin ' and even that provision does not state that he has any rights or obligations under the Co-Publishing Agreement.'

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

The DOJ's Corporate Enforcement Policy: One Year Later Image

The DOJ's Criminal Division issued three declinations since the issuance of the revised CEP a year ago. Review of these cases gives insight into DOJ's implementation of the new policy in practice.

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.

Use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements In White Collar Investigations Image

This article discusses the practical and policy reasons for the use of DPAs and NPAs in white-collar criminal investigations, and considers the NDAA's new reporting provision and its relationship with other efforts to enhance transparency in DOJ decision-making.