3 Count: Rockin’ the Free World

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1: Neil Young Ends Copyright Suit Against Donald Trump

First off today, Eriq Gardner at The Hollywood Reporter Esquire reports that Neil Young has ended his lawsuit against President Trump’s campaign, indicating that the two sides likely reached a settlement.

Young sued the campaign back in August alleging that they did not have the right to use his songs, including Rockin’ in the Free World and Devil’s Sidewalk at campaign events. Though Young originally objected to the use of his songs in 2016, he did not act as the venues hosting Trump’s events had BMI licenses to play his music. However, since then, BMI has amended its terms to limit political uses of music, thus prompting Young to file the lawsuit when his music was used as part of the 2020 campaign.

However, that lawsuit is now over with Young voluntarily dismissing it with prejudice. This means that the lawsuit cannot be refiled and is also a strong indication that a settlement was reached. However, there is no confirmation of that. President Trump’s campaign is currently facing another lawsuit filed by Eddy Grant over the campaign’s use of Electric Avenue. There, the campaign is arguing fair use.

2: Team-Xecuter Defendant ‘GaryOPA’ is a Flight Risk and Remains in Prison

Next up today, Ernesto Van der Sar at Torrentfreak writes that federal court has ruled that Gary Bowser, a defendant that is part of the Team-Xecuter case, is a flight risk and must remain in prison ahead of his trial.

Team-Xecuter rose to prominence for creating modifications that allow video game consoles to play pirated games. Their most notable work involves the Nintendo Switch, which they have faced both criminal and civil action over.

Bowser is the only defendant in custody in the United States. He was arrested in the Dominican Republic and quickly deported to the U.S. In a recent hearing. The court ruled that Bowser poses a significant flight risk and is to remain in prison pending trial. One of the other defendants remains at large in China and a third was arrested in Canada pending deportation to the United States.

3: Bob Dylan Sells His Songwriting Catalog in Blockbuster Deal

Finally today, Ben Sisario at the New York Times reports that Bob Dylan has sold the rights to his songwriting catalog to Universal Music, marking a blockbuster deal likely worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

The deal means that Dylan gives up any ability to control how his compositions are used and any future royalties from them. The deal includes over 58 years of music history and more than 600 songs. Though terms of the deal were not disclosed, it’s estimated to be worth about $300 million.

The move is just the latest major songwriting purchase as artists such as Stevie Nicks have been selling their rights as well. One company, Hipgnosis Songs Fund, claims to have spent about $670 million on artists’ rights, including Blondie, Rick James, Barry Manilow and more.

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