Animator Buck Woodall is suing Disney for copyright infringement, alleging that their hit film *Moana* and its sequel heavily plagiarize his screenplay *Bucky*, submitted to a Disney executive in 2003. The lawsuit claims numerous similarities between the two works, including plot points, characters, and specific imagery. While a previous lawsuit was dismissed due to timing, the release of *Moana 2* has allowed Woodall to refile, seeking $10 billion in damages. Disney previously denied any knowledge of Woodall’s work.
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Following the death of former OpenAI researcher Suchir Balaji, his parents have commissioned an independent autopsy. Balaji, 26, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26th, with the medical examiner ruling his death a suicide. However, Balaji’s parents, questioning the official findings, seek further investigation due to his recent whistleblowing activities against OpenAI, alleging copyright infringement. Balaji’s contributions to OpenAI, including work on WebGPT, were significant.
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South Carolina rapper C.KHiD alleges that Chris Brown and Tyga’s hit song, “AYO,” plagiarizes his own track of the same name, focusing on similarities in the chorus and concept. C.KHiD claims that songwriter Kevin McCall, who worked with Chris Brown and previously collaborated with the producer of C.KHiD’s “AYO,” appropriated elements from his music. The commercially successful “AYO,” featuring Grammy and ASCAP award nominations, could significantly impact C.KHiD’s career if his claims are substantiated, prompting a debate about intellectual property rights within the music industry. This controversy adds to Chris Brown’s existing legal issues regarding copyright infringement, while Tyga faces reputational risk through association.
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Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old former OpenAI researcher, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26th; police report no evidence of foul play. Balaji had recently become a whistleblower, publicly accusing OpenAI of copyright infringement in the development of ChatGPT and offering key information for several lawsuits against the company. His insights were considered crucial to ongoing litigation alleging OpenAI illegally used copyrighted material to train its AI. The cause of death is pending.
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Jack White, the legendary musician who co-founded The White Stripes with Meg White, has taken a bold stance against the unauthorized use of their iconic song “Seven Nation Army” by none other than Donald Trump. In a move that speaks volumes, Jack White has decided to sue Trump, his campaign, and a top campaign official for using their song without permission in a promotional video posted on social media platforms. This legal action is not just about safeguarding copyright; it symbolizes a musician’s firm stand against the misuse of their art for political propaganda.
As I delve into the details of this lawsuit, I can’t help but resonate with the power of music as a form of expression and resistance.… Continue reading
Jack White is making it abundantly clear that he will not stand by while his music is used to promote an individual as controversial as Donald Trump. As an artist, one’s work is a personal extension of themselves, and when that work is manipulated and used to support a cause or individual that goes against everything they stand for, it’s only natural for them to take action. In this case, White has taken a stand against the Trump campaign’s unauthorized use of the White Stripes classic, ‘Seven Nation Army’, by threatening legal action.
It’s not just about the money for Jack White; it’s about the principle of protecting his artistry and ensuring that it is not misused or misrepresented.… Continue reading
Kim Dotcom’s impending extradition from New Zealand after a 12-year legal battle with the United States has sparked a range of emotions and memories for many. From his days as the number one Call of Duty player to the controversial rise and fall of Megaupload, Dotcom has been a polarizing figure in the realms of technology, copyright infringement, and conspiracy theories.
The allegations against Dotcom and the executives of Megaupload claim that they cost film studios and record companies hundreds of millions of dollars by encouraging users to share copyrighted material on their platform. This raises questions about the responsibility of website owners for the actions of their users, especially in the digital age where sharing and downloading content has become commonplace.… Continue reading
The recent case of the Nashville school shooter’s writings being withheld due to copyright by the victim’s families has sparked controversy and raised many questions. The assailant’s parents transferred ownership of his property to the parents’ group, arguing they owned the copyright, preventing the release of the records. This legal maneuver is quite interesting, as it grants copyright protection to the author even after death, allowing his family to control the dissemination of his work.
Many argue against releasing the shooter’s writings, citing concerns that it could inspire copycat attacks and further traumatize the victims’ families. The Covenant School and Presbyterian Church also intervened, claiming that the release could threaten their security.… Continue reading
George Carlin Estate Sues Over Fake Comedy Special Purportedly Generated by AI
As I read about the George Carlin estate suing over a fake comedy special purportedly generated by AI, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, I couldn’t deny the classlessness of ripping off a dead comedian and his family. It’s truly a lawsuit waiting to happen, as AI seems to be invading every realm of our daily lives and threatening to ruin everything.
The problem, as I see it, is not just that they used George Carlin’s name without permission, which would be a trademark issue in itself.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker