Copyright

Zillow Removes 47,000 Images Amidst Landmark CoStar Lawsuit Over Copyright Issues

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Zillow, based in Seattle, has removed approximately 47,000 photos from its real estate listings amid an ongoing legal dispute that raises critical questions about copyright law. The removal comes as Zillow faces a lawsuit from CoStar Group, which accuses the online real estate marketplace of unlawfully using its property photographs without permission. The lawsuit centers around claims that Zillow utilized CoStar’s images to enhance its listings, a practice CoStar argues violates copyright laws. The removal of these photos suggests Zillow is taking a cautious approach while the case unfolds in court, reflecting the increasing scrutiny … Read more

Ye Faces Legal Heat: Allegations of Unauthorized Sampling on Donda 2 Prompt New Copyright Lawsuit

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Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has found himself at the center of yet another copyright dispute. The rapper is being sued for allegedly sampling a 1975 soul track without permission on his 2022 album, Donda 2. A legal complaint lodged in federal court on September 4 claims that the song "LORD LIFT ME UP" includes an unauthorized sample of “Just Out of My Reach,” a track by soul musician Sam Dees. The lawsuit is spearheaded by The GRC Trust, acting on behalf of Ginn Music Group, a catalog company based in Atlanta that manages … Read more

Missy Elliott and Producer Terry Williams Reach Last-Minute Settlement, Burying Decades-Old Copyright Dispute

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PHILADELPHIA — Rap legend Missy Elliott and producer Terry Williams resolved their contentious copyright dispute just moments before a jury was set to be selected, concluding a prolonged legal battle over the ownership of music recorded more than 30 years ago. The settlement, which was announced in federal court Friday morning, comes amid a backdrop of dueling lawsuits concerning the authorship of early recordings. U.S. District Judge Nitza Quinones Alejandro informed a group of prospective jurors that the attorneys for both parties had come to an agreement after extensive discussions leading up to the trial. … Read more

Court Upholds Ruling Against Strategist in Copyright Dispute, Denies Expanded Fee Claims for Problem-Solving Charts

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SAN FRANCISCO — A legal dispute involving strategic problem-solving charts has concluded with an unfavorable outcome for Dr. Mary Lippitt and her company, Enterprise Management Ltd. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court’s decision, denying Lippitt’s request to augment her previous copyright infringement award of $8,000 and to claim additional attorneys’ fees. In an opinion released on Thursday, the appeals court determined that Lippitt and her organization failed to demonstrate that the lower court had misused its authority in declining to award those fees. The court’s ruling emphasized that there was … Read more