Don Henley Files Copyright Infringement Lawsuit For Political Videos
by Tamera H. Bennett 6/2/2010 See Update Here.
Songwriters Don Henley and Mike Campbell sued California Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R-Irvine for copyright infringement for the alleged unauthorized use of the song "The Boys of Summer." Henley also filed sued for copyright infringement for "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" -- which he penned himself.
DeVore used the two songs in separate political campaign videos that were posted on YouTube. Henley requested YouTube removed the videos. The videos were removed for a time and then reposted on YouTube until Henley filed this lawsuit.
DeVore changed the lyrics of "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" to "All She Wants To Do is Tax" to target his opponent in the 2010 California Assembly race. He changed the lyrics of "Boys of Summer' to "After The Hope of November Is Gone."
DeVore has gone on record stating the use is protected by First Amendment Free Speech as a parody.
Music in political campaigns has been a hot topic of late. Read more about Jackson Browne v. John McCain, MGMT v French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s party, McCain/Palin Campaign and public performance rights.
