Laws

Laws v. Sony Music Entertainment, Inc.

Good Law

294 F. Supp. 2d 1160·2004 Copyright L. Dec. (CCH) 28,784·69 U.S.P.Q. 2d (BNA) 1787·2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 22352

United States District Court, Central District of CaliforniaNovember 4, 2003CV 03-2038California2,606 words

Opinion

Baird, J.

ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

I. INTRODUCTION

This case involves alleged misappropriation of Debra Law’s voice and name by Defendant Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. (“Sony”) in connection with the sound recording and video entitled “All I Have” performed by Jennifer Lopez. Plaintiff Debra Laws alleges that “All I Have” samples extensively from her 1980 sound recording “Very Special” without Plaintiffs prior consent. Currently before the court is Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment.

II. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Plaintiff alleges that she is a professional vocalist and recording artist who has achieved international acclaim. Declaration of Plaintiff Debra Laws, (“Dec. Laws”), ¶¶ 1-5. She first recorded the song “Very Special” in 1981 for Elektra Records. Id. ¶ 2. Since that time, she has continued to perform the song throughout the United States and internationally. Id. ¶¶ 5-7.

In 1979, Debra Laws entered into a recording agreement with Spirit Productions (which her brother founded). Declaration of Paul Guelpa (“Dec. Guelpa”), Exh. G; Declaration of Hubert Laws (“Dec. H. Laws"), ¶¶ 5-6. That same year, Spirit Productions entered into a…

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