The U.S. Copyright Office has recently altered its stance on the registration of online content updates, a shift largely driven by its earlier exclusion from the registration process of websites with narrowly focused news coverage like Page Six, Decider, and Mansion Global. This change comes after these digital platforms faced refusals due to a rule…
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that a copyright on a compilation of writings does not extend to an individual article within that collection. This decision came with the affirmation of summary judgment in favor of two individuals who included the article in a published book. This pivotal ruling clarifies the scope of…
In a notable development in the music industry, a lawsuit accusing the rapper Drake of copyright infringement has been withdrawn. The plaintiff, a music producer, had claimed that Drake used an unpublished hook from the producer’s demo in one of his hit songs, allegedly copying it “word-for-word, note-for-note”. This decision to drop the suit was…
In a legal faceoff that underscores the ongoing tension between data-scraping companies and online platforms, a company accused of improperly extracting copyrighted data from Reddit is now putting forth antitrust counterclaims. This company asserts that Reddit’s measures are anticompetitive, arguing that the content in question is actually owned by Reddit users, not the platform itself….
Neil Young has once again found himself in a legal battle with former President Donald Trump, reigniting a dispute over the unauthorized use of his music. The renowned singer-songwriter filed a $10 million lawsuit in Virginia federal court against Trump’s joint fundraising committee, alleging that it breached a 2020 settlement agreement. This latest development comes…
In a notable legal development, Anthropic is facing a lawsuit over allegations of using Elvis Presley’s songs to train its AI technology. The owners of rights to 274 songs recorded by the iconic artist have filed the suit, seeking damages that could reach nearly $50 million. They argue that Anthropic utilized the lyrics as part…
The recent Supreme Court development reflects a pivotal moment in the ongoing complexities of international copyright law. The entertainment industry, long engaged in a battle over the recapture of foreign rights included in worldwide grants, witnessed a significant shift when the U.S. Supreme Court did not proceed with reviewing a pivotal Fifth Circuit ruling. This…
In a significant legal battle unfolding in New York, news organizations are challenging OpenAI and Microsoft over the use of news content to train artificial intelligence models. The case, which could set a precedent for AI development and copyright law, questions whether tech companies can leverage existing news articles without infringing on intellectual property rights….
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently upheld a jury verdict in favor of Apple Inc. and director M. Night Shyamalan, related to claims that they had infringed on the intellectual property of an independent filmmaker. This legal battle centered around the Apple TV series “Servant.” The appellate court rejected contentions…
In a recent legal development, a music holdings company has initiated legal proceedings against Anthropic, the AI research firm, alleging unauthorized use of its music catalog for training purposes. The company claims Anthropic’s language model, Claude, was trained on copyrighted materials sourced through internet piracy, specifically targeting songs and allegedly stripping them of their copyright…
The legal industry is experiencing significant transformations, driven by technological advancements, evolving client expectations, and regulatory developments. A closer examination of recent data reveals key trends shaping the sector. Artificial Intelligence Integration Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone in legal practice. A 2026 survey by the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) indicates that 94%…
In a recent legal development, a California federal judge indicated that Anthropic’s use of copyrighted song lyrics for training its Claude AI might qualify as fair use. During the proceedings, the judge expressed openness to this argument, noting the complexities involved in what he termed “mash-up” lyrics generated by artificial intelligence. This case is especially…
Efforts to streamline the copyright registration process for visual artists have gained momentum with the introduction of a new bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. This proposed legislation aims to assist photographers and other visual artists by providing a simpler, cost-effective method for securing copyright protection. The bill aligns closely with a similar measure…
Hundreds of authors have initiated legal proceedings against Meta Platforms Inc., alleging that their copyrighted works were used without authorization to train the company’s artificial intelligence models, Llama and Muse. This lawsuit adds to a growing list of legal challenges accusing Meta of leveraging copyrighted content to develop its AI capabilities. The authors claim these…
The heirs of the iconic Motown singer Marvin Gaye have initiated legal proceedings against a suburban Detroit hotel, alleging infringement of copyright laws by playing Gaye’s music unlawfully. According to the complaint, hotel management has repeatedly played Gaye’s tracks without securing the necessary licensing agreements, despite numerous warnings and attempts to formalize such agreements over…
In a significant twist to ongoing copyright lawsuits against Meta, the tech giant finds itself compelled to identify key executives who authorized controversial AI training practices. Between authors like Richard Kadrey and Sarah Silverman and publishers such as Entrepreneur Media, more formal accountability is being demanded over allegations of unauthorized book downloads from shadow libraries…
Spotify’s legal landscape is undergoing thoughtful navigation as the company’s General Counsel, Horacio Gutierrez, continues to shape the department after his ascent to the role. Gutierrez, having transitioned into the top position, is tasked with steering the streaming giant through legal challenges and regulatory complexities while supporting innovation and business growth. Gutierrez, a seasoned legal…
Drake, known for his chart-topping hits, finds himself amidst legal turmoil after a California federal court filing on October 19, 2026. A songwriter has lodged a copyright infringement claim, alleging that the chorus of Drake’s popular song “Janice STFU” was lifted “word-for-word, note-for-note” from their original work. The contentious legal battle raises questions about the…
In a courtroom development that has captured the attention of the music industry, a Venezuelan salsa composer presented his case to a jury, asserting that he retained ownership rights over six albums that have been distributed without his authorization. This legal conflict, rooted in copyright law and intellectual property disputes, centers on allegations of unauthorized…
In a notable turn of events, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday allowed a Fifth Circuit ruling concerning U.S. copyright termination to stand. This ruling touches upon the ability to recapture foreign rights conveyed in a worldwide grant. The case, involving major music publishers, didn’t proceed due to the absence of four justices, thereby leaving…
The U.S. Supreme Court has opted not to intervene in a copyright dispute involving photographs and videos of the shipwreck believed to be the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the notorious pirate Blackbeard’s vessel off the North Carolina coast. The decision allows a lower court’s ruling to stand, upholding the state’s rights over the works created by…
The rise of artificial intelligence in software development has introduced a new dimension of intellectual property challenges, particularly concerning “vibe-coded” products. AI’s capacity to assist individuals with minimal coding experience in creating sophisticated software disrupts traditional paradigms, yet this ease of creation brings with it a web of potential IP risks. For instance, leveraging AI…
In a significant legal development, DeviantArt has petitioned a California federal judge to disqualify Crowell & Moring LLP from representing Evox Productions in a pivotal intellectual property lawsuit. The case centers around allegations that multiple artificial intelligence companies utilized Evox’s copyrighted car images to train their AI image generators. DeviantArt contends that Crowell & Moring…
In a significant legal development, an Ohio federal judge has delivered contrasting rulings in two intellectual property lawsuits filed by Weekend Warrior Clothing. The cases involve allegations of copyright infringement against tech giants Google and Amazon, with notable differences in their outcomes. In the suit against Amazon, the court decided that the T-shirt company’s claims…
Warner Music-affiliated record labels and publishers have petitioned an Ohio federal judge to sustain their copyright claims against DSW Shoe Warehouse Inc. This case raises significant questions about licensing practices in influencer marketing campaigns, particularly as music usage in social media ads continues to expand (Law360). The dispute highlights a broader issue within the industry…