Global Music Rights Litigates Against Vermont Radio Stations for Unlicensed Song Plays

In what could shape up to be a landmark copyright battle, the performance rights organization Global Music Rights (GMR) has embarked on legal action against a cluster of Vermont-based radio stations. These stations, held by Vermont Broadcast Associates and including known names like Moo 92 and Magic 97.7, stand accused of broadcasting songs from the GMR repertoire without having proper licensing in place.

The Core of the Copyright Controversy

GMR’s lawsuit, launched with a filed complaint in the U.S. District Court in Burlington on January 18, alleges that Vermont Broadcast Associates consciously opted to play GMR’s copyrighted songs without securing the necessary rights. An array of favorite hits, such as Bruce Springsteen’s 'Born in the U.S.A.' and Pharrell Williams’ 'Come Get it Bae', were reportedly aired more than 1,600 times on the defendant’s stations.

Failed Negotiations and Legal Ramifications

The lawsuit suggests that GMR made multiple attempts to settle this issue amicably, offering up to ten licensing agreement proposals which Vermont Broadcast Associates opted not to accept. With the lack of compliance and even a cease-and-desist note going unheeded, GMR is now pressing for a hefty financial settlement as reparation for the over 66 titles utilized without permission. Emio Zizza, GMR’s general council, expressed the position that litigation is a last resort but necessary when creators’ rights are circumvented.

Rights, Reactions, and Regulations

U.S. copyright law governs the broadcasting rights for songs, demanding that radio stations either acquire consent from the artists or pay for licensing through performance rights organizations. While GMR has established agreements with the wider radio broadcasting community following a lengthy court dispute, Vermont Broadcast Associates, part of the collective, did not follow through with these licensing terms.

The current lawsuit targets the Vermont Broadcast Associates' owner, Bruce James, as well. Despite the actions, James notes his support for musicians and the expectation of an amicable resolution. The desired outcome for GMR, however, encompasses statutory damages that could potentially escalate to the tune of $150,000 for each song played illicitly.

lawsuit, copyright, music