Marya

Marya v. Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Good Law

131 F. Supp. 3d 975·2015 WL 5568497·116 U.S.P.Q. 2d (BNA) 1563·2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 129575

United States District Court, Central District of CaliforniaSeptember 22, 2015CASE NO. CV 13-4460-GHK (MRWx)California14,469 words

Opinion

Lead Opinion

King, J.

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER RE: (1) CROSS-MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT (Dkt. 179); (2) DEFENDANTS’ MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE SUPPLEMENTAL EVIDENCE (Dkt. 223); and (3) PLAINTIFFS’ EX PARTE APPLICATION TO SUPPLEMENT THE RECORD (Dkt. 224)

This matter is before us on the Parties’ Cross-Motions for 'Summaiy Judgment (“Cross-Motions”). On March 23, 2015, we héld a hearing on thé Cross-Motions. (Dkt. 207 (minutes); Dkt.‘ 208 (transcript).) On May 18, 2015, we ordered additional briefing, (Dkt. 215), and on- July 29, 2015, we held a further hearing. (Dkt. 229 (minutes); Dkt. 230 (transcript).) As the Parties' are familiar with the facts, we will repeat them- only as necessary. Accordingly, we rule as follows:

I. Background

Plaintiffs Rupa Marya, Robert Siegel, Good Morning to You Productions Corp., and Majar Productions, LLC (collectively, “Plaintiffs”) filed this class action to declare invalid Defendants Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. (“Warner/Chappell”) and Sum-my-Birchard, Inc.’s (“Summy-Birchard”) (collectively, “Defendants”) purported copyright in the famous song Happy Birthday To You (“Happy Birthday”). (Dkt. 95; -Fourth Amended Consolidated Complaint (“FACC”).)

" The classic melody of…

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