3 Count: X Marks the Spot

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1: Elon Musk’s X Must Face Copyright Infringement Suit by Music Publishers, Federal Judge Says

First off today, Ramishah Maruf and Brian Fung at CNN report that a federal judge has ruled that parts of a music industry lawsuit against X (formerly Twitter) can move forward as major music publishers seek some $250 million in damages.

According to the lawsuit, X does not license music for use on its platform, something other large social media companies do, and thus is enabling infringing use of some 1,700 named songs on the site. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that X was more lenient with paying customers than they are with free ones.

According to the publishers, X has repeatedly failed to enforce its own policies on copyright infringing content and may be contributorily liable for the infringement of users. Neither side had any comment though the case is now heading toward a likely trial barring a settlement.

2: Bull City Ciderworks Hit With Copyright Lawsuit, Owner Disputes Narrative of Events

Next up today, Brenna Flanagan at Port City Daily reports that, in Wilmington, North Carolina, a local bar is facing a lawsuit from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), which alleges the bar repeatedly played copyright-protected music without a proper license.

The bar involved, Bull City Ciderworks, claims that they pay for a license for ASCAP licensed music through subscription entitled Soundtrack Your Brand. While ASCAP does acknowledge that license exists, they claim that certain uses, such as DJs and karaoke events, are not covered under that license and the bar regularly held both kinds of events without getting additional coverage.

ASCAP claims that they have repeatedly tried to resolve the issue over the past several years but was rebuffed. ASCAP has said that, despite the lawsuit, they hope to work things out directly with the owners and that their goal is as much about education as obtaining a license.

3: Trans Joker Movie The People’s Joker Being Released Despite Warner Bros.’ Copyright Objection

Finally today, Margeaux Sippell at MovieMaker reports that the parody film The People’s Joker will be getting a nationwide release come April, despite objections from Warner Bros. over allegations of copyright infringement.

The film describes itself as a parody of The Joker from various Batman films. However, this presentation of the character is as a closeted trans woman deals with a variety of LGBTQ+ themes. However, the day before the films planned debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022, Warner Bros. filed a cease and desist against the film, resulting in the debut being cancelled.

However, independent distributor Altered Innocence has taken up the film and will begin a nationwide screening tour starting April 5. Warner Bros. has not commented on the potential release of the film.

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