Member Alert
| NMPA Member Companies File Copyright Infringement Lawsuits |
|
National Music Publishers' Association members Monday filed copyright infringement lawsuits against two businesses exploiting unlicensed lyrics for profit through their operation of four web sites and as the source of unauthorized content for numerous web applications. Peermusic, Warner/Chappell and Bug Music filed Federal Court actions against LiveUniverse, Inc. and its owner Brad Greenspan and Motive Force LLC and its owner Sean Colombo for willful copyright infringement on a vast scale. The Music Publishers seek both equitable relief and damages for these infringing companies' knowing and unlicensed use of the lyrics from musical compositions on their respective web sites and in conjunction with certain web applications. These lawsuits are part of NMPA's continuing efforts on behalf of music publishers and songwriters to shut down unlicensed web sites that are profiting on the backs of songwriters. For the past three years, the NMPA has sent cease and desist notices to hundreds of illegal sites, providing multiple warnings and opportunities for the site operators to license the content and operate legally. These efforts have resulted in a significant reduction of illegal sites, as the majority of those contacted have either ceased operation or taken licenses. Unfortunately, Live Universe and Motive Force ignored these notices, resulting in the filing. |
