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Can You Trademark a Song Title?

Many musicians assume they can trademark a song title, but trademark law works differently than copyright law. While a single song title usually cannot be registered as a trademark, there are situations where a title can become legally protectable through branding, merchandise, or use across a series of creative works.

August 03, 2026

Jersey Boys poster

Team Behind “Jersey Boys” Musical Found Liable for Copyright Infringement

A federal jury decided on November 29th that the Broadway musical Jersey Boys was an infringement of the unpublished autobiography of Tommy DeVito.

December 20, 2016

Music score

Federal Judge Recommends Lawsuit Against Pop Stars Be Dismissed

Two years ago, a Virginia federal district court granted a summary judgment and dismissed the case, filed by Devin Copeland and Mareio Overton, after ruling that “Somebody to Love” was not “intrinsically similar” to their song of the same name.

December 06, 2016

A person using a mic to sing in public

Lawsuit Over “We Shall Overcome” Protest Song Can Move Forward

The Richmond Organization and its subsidiary Ludlow Music, Inc., seeking a declaratory judgment on whether “We Shall Overcome” is in the public domain.

November 29, 2016

DJ mixer

Big Names in Music Industry Sue Website to Stop Conversion of Streamed Music

Piracy seems to be the music industry’s hydra monster, the mythical beast with regenerating heads: every time it gets a handle on one mode of unauthorized distribution, another one pops up.

November 08, 2016

Music notes

Singer Ed Sheeran Sued for Copyright Infringement for the Second Time This Year

Just two months after British singer Ed Sheeran was sued by two songwriters for $20 million in a copyright infringement complaint over his song “Photograph,” he’s being sued again over “Thinking Out Loud.”

August 30, 2016

A sign that sees "you are what you listen to"

Former Member of The Fugees Sues Showtime for Copyright Infringement

Pras Michel, co-founder and former member of 90’s rap group The Fugees, has filed a lawsuit against Showtime over Sweet Micky for President, a documentary he produced. Michel alleges that the cable network has been airing the film on TV and online without his permission.

August 02, 2016

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