The Licensing Letter

Licensing Law

Judge Orders Trump to Stop Using Isaac Hayes’ Song At His Rallies

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The estate of music legend Isaac Hayes won an initial victory in court, as an Atlanta judge ordered the Trump campaign to stop using the song Hold On, I'm Comin' at its events. The order came about as the result of an emergency injunction hearing in Atlanta federal court on Tuesday. The Hayes estate, headed by son Isaac Hayes III, asked the … [Read more...] about Judge Orders Trump to Stop Using Isaac Hayes’ Song At His Rallies

Copyright Law: Beyoncé Blocks Trump Campaign From Use of Song ‘Freedom’

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Beyoncé has blocked Donald Trump from using her song "Freedom," after the song was used for a Trump campaign video on social media. The singer-songwriter previously agreed to the use of "Freedom" for the opposing Kamala Harris campaign, where it has become essentially the theme song for the Democratic Party for the 2024 presidential … [Read more...] about Copyright Law: Beyoncé Blocks Trump Campaign From Use of Song ‘Freedom’

Who’s News: Estée Lauder Companies Appoints Rashida La Lande as EVP and General Counsel

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Estée Lauder Companies has appointed Rashida La Lande as its new EVP and general counsel. In her new roles at Estée Lauder, La Lande will be responsible for overseeing and advising on the company's global business initiatives and complex legal issues. This includes Estée Lauder's international corporate protocols, compliance, business … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Estée Lauder Companies Appoints Rashida La Lande as EVP and General Counsel

Isaac Hayes Estate Suing Trump For Unauthorized Use of Hit Song

“Never, Never Use That Song Again” Says Son Isaac Hayes III By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The estate of music legend Isaac Hayes plans to sue the Donald Trump campaign for unauthorized use of the song 'Hold On, I'm Coming'. The family threatened a $3 million lawsuit over the weekend, saying the presidential nominee for the GOP and his lawyers have ignored previous … [Read more...] about Isaac Hayes Estate Suing Trump For Unauthorized Use of Hit Song

Perry Ellis Secures 8.3 Million Following Breach of Contract by ULC

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Perry Ellis has received 8.3 million USD in damages from United Legwear Company for legal problems related to their 2020 Pro Player sales agreement. The trial centered on the fair market value of the Pro Player athletic brand which Perry Ellis International had sold to ULC IP Holdings in 2020. Perry Ellis began pursuing legal action against ULC … [Read more...] about Perry Ellis Secures 8.3 Million Following Breach of Contract by ULC

Kartoon Studios Launching Its Own Winnie-The-Pooh Franchise

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Move over Disney; the animation house Kartoon Studios is launching its own franchise for the A.A. Milne classic Winnie-The-Pooh. Today, the global studio announced new funding and critical new hires for the franchise, saying licensing and consumer products will be a major aspect of the program. The rights to the Winnie-The-Pooh … [Read more...] about Kartoon Studios Launching Its Own Winnie-The-Pooh Franchise

Must Read: Supreme Court Rules Against Warner Music in Copyright Case

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Photo by Sunira Moses The US Supreme Court found there is no time limit for damages in copyright cases, ruling against Warner Music in a precedent-setting lawsuit. The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of Miami-based music producer Sherman Nealy, who became embroiled in a legal battle with Warner Music over a song by the popular … [Read more...] about Must Read: Supreme Court Rules Against Warner Music in Copyright Case

George Carlin Estate Settles Lawsuit Over ‘AI Comedy Special’

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The estate of George Carlin won a settlement with a media company over a fake, hour-long comedy special, purportedly using AI to portray the comedian. As TLL first reported in January, the estate filed a federal lawsuit against the comedy podcast Dudesy for an hour-long comedy special sold as an AI-generated impression of the late … [Read more...] about George Carlin Estate Settles Lawsuit Over ‘AI Comedy Special’

Licensing Law: Google Faces Fines, Multibillion Dollar Lawsuit In Europe

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The search and advertising giant Google is facing a double whammy of legal threats over its media activities in the European Union. In one case, Google was fined €250 million on March 20 by French regulators, who say the company breached an agreement to pay media companies for reproducing their content online. In the second case, … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Google Faces Fines, Multibillion Dollar Lawsuit In Europe