By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Taylor Swift has officially regained ownership of the master recordings of her first six albums, marking the end of a lengthy dispute over the rights to her early music. Swift announced the acquisition on her official website, calling it a long-awaited resolution. “All of the music I've ever made now belongs to me,” she wrote, describing … [Read more...] about Taylor Swift Reclaims Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Royalties
Feds Seize 3,000 Counterfeit Gibson Guitars Worth $19 Million
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Federal officials say they have seized thousands of counterfeit Gibson electric guitars at the Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport. Officials involved in the operation says it is the "largest counterfeit musical instrument seizure on record." The operation was conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, assisted by Homeland … [Read more...] about Feds Seize 3,000 Counterfeit Gibson Guitars Worth $19 Million
CBS in Legal ‘Jeopardy’ Due To Sony’s Game Show Lawsuit
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sony Pictures Television is suing CBS, claiming the network failed to meet its contract obligations for popular game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. As well, Sony alleges CBS entered into unauthorized distribution deals in foreign markets. “As stated in our complaint, CBS has been egregiously undercutting the value and profitability … [Read more...] about CBS in Legal ‘Jeopardy’ Due To Sony’s Game Show Lawsuit
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
Longest Ever Actors Strike Ends With “Historic Agreement”
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The entertainment and licensing industries breathed a collective sigh of relief as the longest actors strike in history came to an end at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 9. SAG-AFTRA negotiators have approved a tentative agreement with film and TV studios, and on Wednesday called an end to the 118 day strike. The union's negotiating committee approved … [Read more...] about Longest Ever Actors Strike Ends With “Historic Agreement”
JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand
Leader in Brand Protection Showing Off New Licensing Management System at BLE By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In the world of licensing, nothing is more important than protecting your brand. But according to Franco Diaz (at right in above photo, with VP Pete Reyes) of the brand protection technology manufacturer JPatton, many brand owners don’t invest in brand … [Read more...] about JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand
Must Read: Universal Music’s Grand Experiments With AI and Music Streaming Payments
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Universal Music Group is making huge moves to change how musicians are paid for streaming fees and for the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The company, known as one of the 'Big Three' for music companies globally, is working with the Deezer platform on streaming rights, and with Google on a deal to use musician's … [Read more...] about Must Read: Universal Music’s Grand Experiments With AI and Music Streaming Payments
TLL Offering Free Listings For Licensing Agencies in New Publication
By TLL Staff The Licensing Letter will be publishing an annual Global Guide to Licensing Agencies, and basic listings are being offered at no cost. The Guide is designed to help licensors and licensees identify the most appropriate licensing agency for their needs, and when submitted by the agency, listings will include a contact email, phone number and/or website … [Read more...] about TLL Offering Free Listings For Licensing Agencies in New Publication
Feature: Is BIP Marketplace the Future of Licensing?
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The online licensing marketplace BIP could well be showing us the future of licensing, with more than 50 licensing deals logged to date. BIP is an online platform that helps licensors and licensees find each other, acting essentially as a matchmaker for the industry. The BIP licensing hub also features several tools that help in the deal … [Read more...] about Feature: Is BIP Marketplace the Future of Licensing?
Sarah Silverman Suing ChatGPT Creator for Copyright Infringement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Sarah Silverman photo by Gage Skidmore) Comedian Sarah Silverman says copyright infringement by artificial intelligence bots is no laughing matter, as she sues Open AI and Meta. Silverman is one of three people filing the lawsuits charging that AI bots were trained on their work without their permission, resulting in AI … [Read more...] about Sarah Silverman Suing ChatGPT Creator for Copyright Infringement