Music Group ‘2 Live Crew’ Wins Big Copyright Case in South Florida
According to a report from ABC News, the famed music group ‘2 Live Crew’ has won a major jury verdict in a landmark copyright case. A jury in Florida determined that the hip-hop group can regain control of copyrights that it lost more than three decades ago in bankruptcy proceedings. Within this blog post, our Florida copyright lawyer discusses the dispute and explains why the decision has important implications.
Background: ‘2 Live Crew’ Lost Copyright to Company in Bankruptcy Proceedings
2 Live Crew is a hip hop group from Miami, Florida that rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In the 1990s, 2 Live Crew’s record company, Luke Records, was facing serious financial struggles. It eventually declared bankruptcy protection. During the process, Joseph Weinberger, who owned a company called Lil’ Joe Records, purchased all the master and publishing rights to the group’s music and trademarks. The transfer occurred under bankruptcy proceedings—which typically allow for the “free and clear” sale of assets.
Why the Decision Matters: Confirms Artist Right to Regain Copyright After Decades
Upon review, a federal jury in Florida ruled in favor of 2 Live Crew and against Lil’ Joe Records. A pivotal aspect of this case was the invocation of copyright termination rights—which occurs under Section 203 and Section 204 of United States Copyright Law. That provision allows creators to regain ownership of their works after a set period—typically 35 years for works created after 1978. These provisions aim to protect artists from unfavorable early contracts that did not anticipate the long-term value of their creations. The court’s decision confirmed that these rights could not be negated even by previous bankruptcy sales. The ruling is significant as it underscores the inalienable nature of termination rights.
An Appeal is Expected: Case May End Up in Supreme Court
For its part, the legal representation for Lil’ Joe Records argued that termination does not apply in this case. They contend that the court and jury erred in ruling that 2 Live Crew can regain their copyright. The core of their argument is that 2 Live Crew created their songs as employees of Luke Records. As such, the “works for hire” doctrine should prevent the invocation of copyright termination rights. Lil’ Joe Records noted its intent to appeal the verdict. They emphasized that they plan to take their case all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States if needed. Of course, there is no guarantee that the nation’s top court will agree to hear the dispute.
Set Up a Confidential Consultation with an IP Lawyer Today
At Perkins Law, our Florida copyright law attorney is committed to solving problems for clients. You do not have to take on a copyright infringement case alone. In fact, it is generally not a good idea to do so. We are here to help. Contact us today to arrange a fully private, case evaluation. From our Boca Raton office location, our attorney provides copyright law support throughout all of South Florida.
Source:
abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/jury-paves-2-live-crew-retake-control-records-114944490
