Federal Court Ruling Declares US Music Copyright Termination Rights Apply Globally, Sparking Industry Concerns
A federal judge in Louisiana has issued a groundbreaking ruling that U.S. copyright termination rules apply globally, potentially disrupting established international copyright practices in the music industry.
Blindfolded Justice with golden balance scales
The case centers on songwriter Cyril Vetter's 1963 track "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)," where the court granted him full worldwide copyright ownership from publisher Resnik Music Group. This decision challenges the traditional understanding that U.S. copyright termination rights only apply within U.S. territories.
Key aspects of the ruling:
- Confirms that termination rights under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976 apply globally
- Allows original authors to reclaim their copyright after a specified period
- Contradicts the established system where copyright protection follows local laws
Background of "Double Shot":
- Written in 1962 by Don Smith and Cyril Vetter
- Originally sold to Windsong Music Publishers in 1963 for one dollar
- Became a Top 40 hit in 1966 when recorded by the Swingin' Medallions
- Copyright renewed in 1994 for 28 years
- Smith's heirs sold their share to Vetter after Smith's death in 1972
- Windsong sold rights to Resnik Music Group in 2019
Resnik Music Group argues this ruling will create industry chaos by making copyright dependent on country of origin rather than traditional territorial protection. The publisher's legal team has indicated plans to appeal the decision.
The case highlights growing tensions between U.S. copyright law and international copyright conventions, potentially affecting how music rights are managed globally.
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