Ace Arts has brought a $100 million copyright lawsuit against Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Apple Corps Ltd. for allegedly sabotaging a Beatles documentary film that the company was making.
The company, which is based in the U.S., was producing a Beatles documentary entitled, “The Beatles: The Lost Concert,” using footage from the group’s first concert in the U.S. in 1964. Ace confirmed with Apple Corps that the footage was not under copyright, and later established an agreement with Sony under entertainment law regarding licensing rights. However, Ace is now accusing Sony and Apple Corps of interfering in the filmmaking process, using “spurious copyright infringement threats with respect” to the film.
Ace notes that Sony/ATV – which currently owns rights to a number of Beatles songs – sabotaged a distribution deal that Ace struck with Screenvision before the premiere of the Beatles documentary by making false allegations to Screenvision about Ace’s rights to the material.
“The company that funded, taped, and exhibited the D.C. Concert allowed to film of the concert [the ‘Tape’] to be transferred without copyright protection,” Ace said in court documents. “No copyright was ever filed on the performances recorded on the tape or the tape itself.”
The company alleges that this interference prompted Screenvision to back out of the distribution deal. The company also claimed that Sony/ATV withdrew its license for use of the Beatles songs because it learned that Apple Corps was planning to make and release a similar film featuring the 1964 concert. Apparently, Sony/ATV’s license agreement with Ace Arts was subject to the approval of Apple Corps.
In addition to the $100 million in damages Ace is seeking on the basis of interference with contract and unfair competition, the company also seeks a declaration that neither Sony/ATV nor Apple has any rights that would be infringed by commercial exploitation of the tape, and that Sony misused its copyrights on the songs, according to Court News.
Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals
Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]
How to Conduct a Fair and Legal Employee Termination in 2025
Ongoing economic uncertainty is forcing many companies to make tough decisions, which includes lowering staff levels. The legal landscape on both the state and federal level also continues to evolve, especially with significant changes to the priorities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) under the Trump Administration. Terminating an employee is one of the […]
Admin Dissolution for Annual Report: What You Need to Know
While filing annual reports may seem like a nuisance, failing to do so can have significant ramifications. These include fines, reputational harm, and interruption of your business operations. In basic terms, “admin dissolution for annual report” means that a company is dissolved by the government. This happens because it failed to submit its annual report […]
Antitrust laws are designed to ensure that businesses compete fairly. There are three federal antitrust laws that businesses must navigate. These include the Sherman Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Clayton Act. States also have their own antitrust regimes. These may vary from federal regulations. Understanding antitrust litigation helps businesses navigate these complex […]
Dissolving Your Business: Essential Legal Steps to Protect Your Interests
If you’re considering closing your business, it’s crucial to understand that simply shutting your doors does not end your legal obligations. Unless you formally dissolve your business, it continues to exist in the eyes of the law—leaving you exposed to ongoing liabilities such as taxes, compliance violations, and potential lawsuits. Dissolving a business can seem […]
The Role of Corporate Restructuring in Mergers & Acquisitions
Contrary to what many people think, corporate restructuring isn’t all doom and gloom. Revamping a company’s organizational structure, corporate hierarchy, or operations procedures can help keep your business competitive. This is particularly true during challenging times. Corporate restructuring plays a critical role in modern business strategy. It helps companies adapt quickly to market changes. Following […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
