Republican Candidate Infringed Henley’s Songs in YouTube Ads, Judge Says
California senatorial candidate Chuck DeVore violated rocker Don Henley’s copyrights on two songs when he used them as the basis for YouTube campaign commercials, a federal judge tentatively ruled this week.
Although DeVore claimed that the First Amendment protects political speech and he had a fair use right to Henley’s work, U.S. District Court Judge James Selna ruled DeVore’s infringement was likely willful, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The decision could potentially hold major ramifications for politicians throughout the nation as several musicians have recently pressed copyright claims against politicians. Last week, David Byrne sued former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist over his use of the Talking Heads’ “Road to Nowhere.”
Related earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “All Eagles Star Wants to Do Is Sue Over Senate Candidate’s Alleged Song Misuse”
