Silver Fiddle Music, owned by Canadian-American rock legend Neil Young, recently issued a claim in the US federal courts against US President Donald Trump’s Trump 47 Committee for alleged copyright infringement, after it used Young’s hit “Rockin’ in the Free World” at a rally without obtaining a licence to use the song.
Moments before Trump took the stage at a rally in Ohio earlier this month, a recording of Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” was played to the audience. Consequently, Silver Fiddle Music alleges in its claim that playing the song to the audience constitutes an “unauthorised public performance”.
Previously, Young issued a similar claim against the Trump 47 Committee in 2020 for Trump’s use of not only the same song but also Young’s “Devil’s Sidewalk” during his re-election campaign. It is reported that this claim reached settlement prior to litigation, though Silver Fiddle Music’s new allegations also note that the issue has been raised previously, and had seemingly remained unresolved. Young’s claim is reportedly valued at $10 million.
Given the swiftness of settlement in the previous matter between Young and Trump, it would not be unlikely for the parties to reach an agreement once more. However, given the new allegations levelled at Trump now constitute a repeat infringement, Young may well seek greater reparations this time around.
If you have any questions on the above, or if you need any advice or support in respect of your own Intellectual Property, please do not hesitate to contact the team at McDaniels Law on 0191 281 4000 or legal@mcdanielslaw.com.
