By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Universal Music Group just dropped a bomb on TikTok, saying it will back out of its music licensing agreement with the social media giant. The music publisher, one of the global 'Big Three' that dominates the industry, says it will remove all songs from TikTok, accusing the company of trying to bully them into taking a bad deal over … [Read more...] about Must Read: Universal Music Calls Time Out on TikTok Agreement
Licensing Law
Nike Suing Sneaker Designer on Allegations of Trademark Infringement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Footwear and fitness giant Nike is suing a small sneaker designer for allegedly putting out copies of its Air Jordan 1 High sneakers. In a complaint filed in New Jersey District Court Jan. 25, Nike called Global Heartbreak founder Naadier Riles a "bootlegger" (pun intended?), saying the designer essentially copied its Air Jordans, and put … [Read more...] about Nike Suing Sneaker Designer on Allegations of Trademark Infringement
SAG-AFTRA Calling for Ban on Deep Fake Porn After Taylor Swift Targeted by AI
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Generative AI may have just picked on the wrong celebrity, as millions of fans are furiously attacking porn sites that have posted deep fakes of the Taylor Swift. The actors union SAG-AFTRA is also coming after generative AI deep fakes, once more calling for the US government to ban them, saying the images are “upsetting, harmful and … [Read more...] about SAG-AFTRA Calling for Ban on Deep Fake Porn After Taylor Swift Targeted by AI
Uniqlo Sues Shein Over Alleged Imitation of Its Hit ‘Mary Poppins’ Bag
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Japanese fashion giant Uniqlo is suing rival Chinese online retailer Shein over allegations selling copies of the so-called 'Mary Poppins' bag. The distinctive crescent shaped purse—officially known as the 'round mini'—has been a huge seller for Uniqlo, particularly after it went viral on TikTok for how many items it can carry despite its … [Read more...] about Uniqlo Sues Shein Over Alleged Imitation of Its Hit ‘Mary Poppins’ Bag
Arc’teryx Wins Injunction Over Adidas’ Terrex Store in Vancouver
Judge Cites Store Location on Same Block as Aggravating Factor By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian outdoor company Arc'teryx just won a temporary injunction barring Adidas from using the name 'Terrex' on its flagship store in Vancouver. In what the judge in the case described as a "David vs. Goliath" battle over trademark infringement, the Supreme Court … [Read more...] about Arc’teryx Wins Injunction Over Adidas’ Terrex Store in Vancouver
Real Life ‘Joker’ Threatens Lawsuit For Use of His Likeness in GTA 6
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A Florida man who tattooed his face to resemble the DC character The Joker says the Grand Theft Auto game used his likeness in a promotional trailer. Lawrence Sullivan is demanding millions in damages, claiming video game studio Rockstar Games used his likeness in a recent trailer for the latest instalment of the massively popular … [Read more...] about Real Life ‘Joker’ Threatens Lawsuit For Use of His Likeness in GTA 6
CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Disclosure: The writer of this article was formerly a member of the Investigative Unit at CBC News, ending in 2008) An investigation by CBC News says the work of Canadian authors were shared online as part of a dataset used for training artificial intelligence software. The Canadian broadcaster found that at least 2,500 copyrighted books … [Read more...] about CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
Two Major Advances in Generative Music AI Announced by YouTube and Grimes
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Artificial intelligence is turning the licensing world on its head, and this week saw major announcements from YouTube and the artist Grimes. The Google-owned YouTube streaming service has licensed the voices of John Legend and Sia for AI-created soundtracks, while Grimes' company Create Safe is creating a new tool for publishing and … [Read more...] about Two Major Advances in Generative Music AI Announced by YouTube and Grimes
Who’s News: Seeker Music Appoints Dan Stuart as General Counsel
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Seeker Music has appointed music and talent industry professional Dan Stuart to the position of general counsel. “I’ve known Dan for almost 20 years and what I’ve known about Dan since the day I met him is how smart, dedicated, passionate, authentic, and well-respected he is," said Seeker Music CEO, Evan Bogart. "He is one of the best in … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Seeker Music Appoints Dan Stuart as General Counsel
US Court Confirms AI-Generated Art Cannot Be Copyrighted
Ruling Seen As Victory For Artists and Other Human Creators By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Artificial Intelligence fought the law, and the law won, thanks to a US court that confirmed only human works of art can be copyrighted. In a case heard in a US District court in Washington, D.C., Judge Beryl Howell supported the US Copyright Office's rejection of an application … [Read more...] about US Court Confirms AI-Generated Art Cannot Be Copyrighted