Supreme Court declines to overturn music copyright termination ruling

The short version

• The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Oct. 19 to overturn a ruling that extended copyright termination to overseas rights.[Billboard]
• Major labels including Universal, Sony, Warner and BMG had urged the court to overturn the January ruling won by Cyril Vetter.[Billboard]
• Four justices did not take part in the case, and the reason was not disclosed.[Billboard]
• The order does not make the ruling national law, so other appeals courts such as New York and Los Angeles could rule differently.[Billboard]

Key facts

• The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, Oct. 19, refused to overturn a landmark ruling that extended copyright termination globally.[Billboard]
• The ruling was won in January by songwriter Cyril Vetter over his 1963 song 'Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love).'[Billboard]
• Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group and BMG urged the Supreme Court in June to overturn the ruling.[Billboard]
• Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson did not participate in the case.[Billboard]
• The order leaves Vetter's win in place but does not make it the law of the land.[Billboard]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Supreme Court Won’t Overturn Landmark Music Copyright Termination RulingBillboard
• SCOTUS Copyright Termination Music Case Explained: What Happened? What Comes Next?Billboard