3 Count: Unsettled Issues

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1: Aimee Mann Files Huge Copyright Lawsuit Over Digital Music

First off today, Eriq Gardner at The Hollywood Reporter Esquire reports that singer-songwriter Aimee Mann has filed a lawsuit against the company MediaNet, alleging that the company is licensing music it does not have the rights to out to third party streaming companies.

MediaNet is a middleman company that obtains licenses to large amounts of musical compositions and then licenses them to third parties, in particular streaming services that are not covered by the compulsory licenses under the law. The lawsuit alleges that some 23 percent of MediaNet’s catalog is unlicensed and that their case is bolstered by sworn testimony from an earlier lawsuit that was settled.

Mann further claims that she entered into a license agreement with the company in 2003 but sent a termination notice in 2005. Since then, Mann claims to have not received any royalties, other than a returned $20 advance, from MediaNet and, as such, Mann is suing for both direct copyright infringement and for inducement of copyright infringement by third parties.

MediaNet denies the allegations.

2: PayPal Cuts Off “Pirate Bay” VPN iPredator, Freezes Assets

Next up today, Ernesto at Torrentfreak writes that payment processor PayPal has cut off funds from the VPN service iPredator, which was originally launched by the four founders of The pirate Bay back in 2009 (though is now operated by a non-profit organization).

This is the second setback in recent weeks for the service, which enables users to use BitTorrent services (as well as other Internet services) anonymously. Three weeks ago, iPredator’s credit card processor, Payson, also cut them off after changing its terms of service.

In addition to frreezing their ability to receive payments, PayPal has also frozen all iPReditor’s assets for up to 180 days. The admins at the service have tried to contact PayPal regarding the issue and to also get a reason for the suspension but have failed to get a response.

3: Beatles Tribute Show Let It Be Opens on Broadway Amid Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

Finally today, Daisy Wyatt at The Independent reports that UK-based musical Let it Be opens up on Broadway tonight even as the copyright infringement accusations around is continue.

Let it Be is a musical tribute to the Beatles. However, the producers of an earlier Beatles tribute show on Broadway, Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, allege that the performance infringes their copyrights including their musical compositions, backgrounds and costuming.

According to the producers of Rain, Let it Be was a UK extension of their brand and the two sides agreed to a 50-50 split in exchange for cooperation. However, just before Let it Be was to come to the U.S., its producers allegedly revoked the agreement, prompting a lawsuit that is still waiting to be heard.

Suggestions

That’s it for the three count today. We will be back tomorrow with three more copyright links. If you have a link that you want to suggest a link for the column or have any proposals to make it better. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I hope to hear from you.

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