Tag Archives: copyright law

Tattoos Inking Their Way Onto Copyright Jurisprudence

JENNIFER HICKS SAGARDUY—Section 102(a) of the Copyright Act of 1976 provides for copyright protection “in original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression.” When one thinks of copyrightable works, software programs, sculptures, paintings, musical compositions, or one’s favorite novel may come to mind. However, due to the increasing popularity of tattooing coupled […]

Do Artists Have Real Copyright Protection Against Political Candidates Using Their Songs on the Campaign Trail, or Should We ‘Dream On’?

PAIGE COMPARATO—In mid-October, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith sent a cease-and-desist letter to Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump asking him to stop playing the band’s song “Dream On” at campaign events. The letter stated that the candidate did not have permission to use the song, and “it gives the false impression that [Tyler] is connected with […]

The Supreme Court’s Forthcoming Decision in American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. v. Aereo, Inc. Will Reshape the Television Broadcast Industry

BY ERIN SALES — The area of law that governs the entertainment industry will soon find itself in the legal limelight. On January 10, 2014, the Supreme Court of the United States granted certiorari to hear a case between television broadcasters that own copyrighted programs and Aereo, a commercial retransmission enterprise. This case presents the […]