3 Count: Smokey Issues

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1: Smokey Robinson’s Ex-Wife Demands Share of Hit Songs

First off today, Eriq Gardner at The Hollywood Reporter Esquire reports that Claudette Robinson, the ex-wife of singer Smokey Robinson, is suing her former husband alleging that she is owed a portion of any reclaimed copyrights that he is able to get.

The couple divorced in 1986 after 27 years of marriage. Claudette alleges that her now-ex husband failed to disclose that he may be able to reclaim his copyrights and that those copyrights should be community property. However, in March Smokey filed a lawsuit against his ex-wife seeking declaratory judgment that she was not entitled to his music. Claudette has now filed counter-claims.

Copyright termination allows musicians, like Smokey Robinson, to reclaim rights to their work after a certain period of time. Smokey has been actively seeking copyright termination so he can renegotiate his agreements but has expressed concern that the actions of his ex-wife could hinder his ability to negotiate new agreements.

2: Spin Master Alleges Flutterbye Copyright Infringement; Rehco Refutes Allegations

Next up today, Gifts and Decorative Accessories reports that Spin Master Ltd., Canada’s largest toy company, is suing competitors Brix n Clix, Rehco LLC and CYI Inc. in a California court for copyright infringement.

According to the lawsuit the defendants released toys that were too close to Spin Master’s Flutterbye Flying Fairy Doll line, prompting them to sue for copyright infringement, false designation of origin, trade dress infringement and unfair competition.

However, Rehco LLC claims that they developed the technology that makes the toys fly and are currently suing Spin Master for patent infringement. Brix n Clix claims to be legitimate licensees to the technology, setting up their mutual claim that the copyright lawsuit is meant as retaliation for the ongoing patent litigation.

3: Dotcom Heads to Supreme Court to Appeal Raid Decision

Finally today, Andy at Torrentfreak writes that Kim Dotcom is heading to the New Zealand Supreme Court to test whether or not the warrants that were used to raid his home were legal.

Dotcom was raided and his site, Megaupload, shuttered in January of 2012 due to suspected criminal copyright infringement. A lower court ruled that the warrants used to execute the raid were overly broad and illegal but an appeals court overturned that saying, despite the flaws, they were proper.

However, on June 11 and 12, the country’s Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter, which could play a major role in Dotcom’s extradition battle as he is trying to avoid being extradited to the United States to face criminal charges.

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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