Music Publishers Granted $6.6 Million in Lyrics Website Copyright Victory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / October 12, 2012
STATEMENT from NMPA President and CEO David Israelite
RE: The NMPA and Plaintiffs Warner/Chappell Music, Peermusic and BMG (Bug Music Inc.) granted $6.6 million in notable lyrics website copyright victory
Songwriters and music publishers today applaud the U.S. District Court of California for its ruling against song lyrics site LiveUniverse and its owner, Myspace founder Brad Greenspan, for ongoing copyright infringement. The Court, in an order dated October 9, 2012, found that LiveUniverse and Mr. Greenspan willfully infringed on plaintiffs copyrights and awarded substantial damages in the amount of $12,500 per song.
Although the music industry continues to feel the impact of their work being illegally provided online, this victory and legal precedent will serve to aid songwriters and music publishers as they continue the fight to protect their creative rights in the digital world. The Court’s decision is welcome news for the industry and further proof of the value songwriters and music publishers provide.
About the NMPA
Celebrating its 95th year, the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) is the trade association representing American music publishers and their songwriting partners. The NMPA’s mandate is to protect and advance the interests of music publishers and songwriters in matters relating to the domestic and global protection of music copyrights.