A group of companies are suing U.K.-based producer Coda Publishing, Marina del Rey-based distributor Vision Films, director Robert Carruthers and others, alleging that their documentaries covering rock legends such as Elton John, U2, The Rolling Stones and others “are nothing more than a delivery system for intentionally infringed materials.”
The lawsuit from these documentaries alleges that the “purported documentaries” used protected music without permission from the companies. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the companies are seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringement or actual damages, plus any profits that the individuals received as a result of these rock documentaries.
The films that are alleged to have violated this copyright are:
The Rolling Stones – Their Satanic Majesties; The Rolling Stones – Big Hits; ABBA – the Gold Singles; U2 – Phenomenon – Part 2; Nirvana – The Path From Incesticide to In Utero; Nirvana – the Ultimate Review; Elton John – in Performance; Red Hot Chili Peppers – Behind the Music; Red Hot Chili Peppers – Phenomenon; and Lynyrd Skynyrd – Rock Case Studies.
While Amazon has pulled some of the offending titles from this service, it appears as though some of the films were still available through rental or purchase though Vimeo. This suit was filed on Monday December 30th, ahead of the New Year.
A full list of the allegedly infringed upon works are available here.
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