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Sydney law firm to represent Universal in Clive Palmer court battle
Sydney law firm Simpsons Solicitors has been hired by US music giant Universal Music Publishing in its impending court battle against Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party next month.
Emma Musgrave
The matter between Universal and Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party will be heard in the Federal Court on 6 March, and revolves around the use of a parody version of the song ‘We’re not going to take it’ by American heavy metal band Twisted Sister in a campaign video by the party. Licensing rights for the 1984 hit single are owned by Universal.
Adam Simpson from Simpson Solicitors is acting on behalf of Universal in the matter, where he will seek damages for breach of copyright for the unauthorised use of the song. Mr Simpson has worked in the entertainment and IP space for over a decade and most recently on the ‘Lose Yourself’ Eminem litigation against the National Party in NZ.
“Writers and their publishers have the right to choose who uses their songs in advertising. Music can be very powerful. That is part of its value,” Mr Simpson said.
“It’s also why political parties seem to like using hit songs. It creates immediate engagement.”
The latest on this matter comes after a series of Twitter exchanges were fired between Dee Snider, lead singer of Twisted Sister, and Mr Palmer last month.
“Thanks to my Australian followers for reporting back that @CliveFPalmer @PalmerUtdParty are STILL running ads illegally using my song. You are my ‘boots on the ground’. Unfortunately, the wheels of justice turn slowly. I’m told legal action is in motion...#WERENOTGONNATAKEIT,” the singer-songwriter tweeted.
Mr Palmer retaliated with: “I would love to join @deesnider on stage for a sing-off of my ‘Australia’s Not Gonna Cop It’ and his version so fans can decide which one they like best. I’d be happy to be part of the tour when he visits Down Under.”
His party also released a statement, voicing concern over “defamation and threats” made by Mr Snider and calling for Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to reject his visa, “given the current crackdown”.
More to come.
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
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