Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

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

IP News

By Howard Shire and Justin Tilghman
June 01, 2024

In the case of Warner Chappell Music, Inc. v. Nealy, No. 22-1078 (U.S. May 9, 2024), the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the Eleventh Circuit's ruling that, under the discovery rule, a party who files a timely claim for copyright infringement can recover monetary damages, even for copyright claims that date back more than three years from when the lawsuit was filed.

In 1983, Sherman Nealy and Tony Butler established Music Specialist, Inc., a music venture designed to help artists overcome the challenges of the music industry. The company released one album and several singles before dissolving a few years later. Nealy was subsequently sentenced to two separate prison terms for drug-related offenses. During Nealy's incarceration, Butler, without Nealy's knowledge, agreed to license Music Specialist's music to Warner Chappell Music. Notably, one of Music Specialist's songs, "Jam the Box," was used to create the hit song "In the Ayer" by artist Flo Rida. This song achieved significant commercial success, being licensed in several television shows.

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
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.

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

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.

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.

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.