Federal Court Rules US Music Copyright Termination Rights Apply Worldwide, Industry Warns of Chaos
A groundbreaking federal court ruling in Louisiana has dramatically altered the landscape of global music copyright termination rights. The case centers on songwriter Cyril Vetter and the 1963 track "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)."
Blindfolded Justice with golden balance scales
Key Points of the Ruling:
- US copyright termination rules now apply globally
- Vetter granted full worldwide copyright ownership from Resnik Music Group
- Challenges previous understanding that termination rights only applied to US territories
Background of the Case:
- Song written in 1962 by Don Smith and Cyril Vetter
- Originally sold to Windsong Music Publishers for $1 in 1963
- Became a Top 40 hit in 1966 by the Swingin' Medallions
- Copyright renewed in 1994 for 28 years
- Smith died in 1972; heirs sold their share to Vetter
- Windsong sold rights to Resnik Music Group in 2019
Legal Implications:
- Contradicts traditional territorial copyright principles
- Resnik warns of potential industry chaos
- Copyright protection may become dependent on country of origin
- Challenges century-old international copyright systems
Current Status:
- Resnik Music Group expected to appeal
- Previous appeal attempts already made
- Vetter's lawyers maintain ruling aligns with international law
- Decision could fundamentally reshape global music copyright management
The ruling's implications extend beyond this single case, potentially affecting how music rights are managed and terminated worldwide. Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation as it develops.
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