3 Count: Bounce House

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1: Sony Music Sues Marriott Hotels for Alleged ‘Rampant’ Copyright Infringement in Social Media Posts

First off today, Daniel Tencer at Music Business Worldwide reports that Sony Music Entertainment (SME) has filed a lawsuit against Marriott International, alleging that the company willfully infringed on Sony-owned music in various social media posts.

Marriott owns several hotel chains, including the Marriott, Sheraton and Westin brands. However, according to SME, the company has used Sony-owned music in social media posts without a license.

SME alleges that Marriott entered into an agreement to use their music but that the agreement expired without a renewal. As such, SME alleges that at least 913 different posts unlawfully used SME music, with the likelihood of finding more during discovery. This could expose Marriott to up to $140 million in statutory damages.

2: Former New Orleans Bounce Group Sues Beyonce, Big Freedia for Alleged Copyright Infringement

Next up today, Verite News reports that the New Orleans-based bounce musician group Da Showstoppaz has filed a lawsuit against musicians Big Freedia and Beyonce, alleging unauthorized sampling of their work.

According to the band members, Beyonce sampled their song Explode in her 2022 song Break My Soul. They further allege that Big Freedia took from their 2002 song Release a Wiggle in her 2014 single Explode.

The plaintiffs seek to be credited on both of the allegedly infringing songs and royalties owed for using their work.

3: Photographer Sues Woman Over Her 90-Year-Old Grandmother’s Wallpaper

Finally today, Pesala Bandara at PetaPixel reports that a German photographer has filed a lawsuit against a 90-year-old grandmother and her granddaughter over photos in a vacation home listing that included a wallpaper he licensed.

Stefan Böhme filed the lawsuit, alleging that the duo infringed on the rights to a photograph of a stone wall. According to the lawsuit, Böhme licensed the photo to create wallpaper, which the grandmother put up in her apartment.

However, when the granddaughter took over the apartment years later, she included the wallpaper in photos to promote it as a vacation rental. This prompted the lawsuit. Böhme, who is based in Canada, has won similar lawsuits in Germany, including a similar one involving photos for a vacation rental.

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