Music and Copyright Law

Get down with lawyers who rock, and some rock that led to lawsuits. Litigators Andrés Correa and Chris Patton of the Dallas firm Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann LLP are both rock and rollers and accomplished litigators.

Hear how they make time for their passion for music, and how the outlet releases stress and opens paths to creative thinking and strategies they’ve applied to their legal careers and cases. Their passion for music inspired them to co-write the Litigation article “Rock Around the Court: How Copyright Litigation Reflects the Muddy Origins of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” which explores the legal issues surrounding music and creativity.

As those who came before influence styles later, music copyright claims have led to legal cases that shape the world of music and art. Lawsuits continue to this day. What’s “inspiration” and what’s copyright infringement? From Elvis to Led Zepplin to today.

Now, imagine where the brave new world of AI is going to take us.

Resources:

“Rock Around the Court: How Copyright Litigation Reflects the Muddy Origins of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” by Chris Patton and Andrés Correa, Litigation Journal

“Jimmy Page, Sony Pictures Sued by Songwriter Over Led Zeppelin Song,” Reuters

“Led Zeppelin Emerges Victor in ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Plagiarism Case,” Reuters

“George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” Copyright Case,” Performing Songwriter

“Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams to Pay $5 Million to Marvin Gaye Estate for ‘Blurred Lines’” NBC News

“Reggaeton Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Targeting Over 100 of the Genre’s Biggest Acts to Move Forward,” Variety

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Litigation Section

Special thanks to our sponsor ABA Section of Litigation.