Universal Music Must Face Lawsuit Over Bob Marley Remixes
Source: Bloomberg
Vivendi SA (VIV)’s Universal Music Group Inc. must face claims that it tried to block a music production company from distributing its remixes of early Bob Marley songs, a federal appeals court in California ruled.
Universal won dismissal of the claims brought by Rock River Communications Inc. after arguing to a lower court that the distributor had to prove it was legally authorized to use the music on its album. Universal couldn’t have interfered if the album violated copyright laws, the company said. Universal is only half right, a three-judge appeals panel ruled today.
“UMG cannot obtain summary judgment based on the holes in Rock River’s claim to a valid license when the validity of UMG’s own licensing rights is equally spotty,” the court ruled.
Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-09-18/universal-music-must-face-lawsuit-over-bob-marley-remixes