3 Count: Lawsuit Fishing

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1: Cuban Citizen Convicted in U.S. Streaming Piracy Scheme

First off today, Mike Heuer at UPI reports that a federal jury in Nevada has foundYoany Vaillant guilty of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement.

Vaillant, a Cuban citizen, was arrested on suspicion of helping run Jetflicks, a pirate streaming service. He was one of eight charged in connection with Jetflix and was the last to be convicted. He was initially indicted in 2019.

Two other suspects have already been sentenced to a year in prison following guilty pleas. Valliant will join five other suspects due to be sentenced in early February.

2: Katy Perry Fighting Unknown Singer in Federal Court Over Accusations She Ripped Off Song

Next up today, Ryan Naumann at In Touch reports that musician Katy Perry is facing another lawsuit, this one filed by an artist accusing Perry of ripping off her music.

Musician Michele Ronk filed the lawsuit. Ronk claims that Perry’s July 2020 song Smile infringes on her earlier track, Upgraded 2.0. Ronk accuses Perry of copying her lyrics and various elements from the song, often using synonyms to mask direct copying.

The lawsuit was originally filed in October 2020. However, at the time, Ronk was representing herself. A judge dismissed the lawsuit, saying that there was no evidence Perry had access to Ronk’s work and that there were issues with Ronk’s copyright registration. Ronk has now retained a lawyer and is appealing that decision.

3: Anheuser-Busch Sued for Copyright Infringement of Montana Artist’s Fishing Illustration

Finally today, Pat Pratt at KMOV reports that a Montana artist has filed a lawsuit against Anheuser-Busch, alleging that the beer company infringed one of his fishing illustrations.

Jon Q. Wright filed the lawsuit, alleging that Anheuser-Busch used his 1999 artwork as part of promotional material for the Busch Light brand of beer. Wright claims that the two parties signed an agreement about 20 years ago. However, that license has long expired, and he alleges that Anheuser-Busch has continued to use the image.

He specifically highlights the image’s use in merchandise and ads, some of which claim it is owned by Anheuser-Busch. He seeks an injunction against further infringement and profits made from the artwork.

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