Key Cases

Martinez v. McGraw, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 69862 (M.D. Tenn. Aug. 10, 2009)
Successfully moved on behalf of recording artist and record company to dismiss plaintiff’s copyright-infringement claim for failure to state access claim.

Loretta Lynn v. Sure-Fire Music Co., Inc., 237 Fed. Appx. 49 (6th Cir. 2007)
Successfully argued that songwriter’s claim of ownership of musical compositions was appropriately brought in state court and the doctrine of complete preemption did not apply.

Hartung v. Apple Corps Limited, No. 3:01-1149 (M.D. Tenn. 2004)
Successfully moved for Court Order that plaintiff return two film reels embodying performance of “The Beatles at Shea Stadium.”

Santelli v. Walt Disney Co., UMG Recordings, Inc., Elton John, et al., No. 3:02-0012 (E.D. Tenn. 2002)
Successfully moved on behalf of songwriters and record company for summary judgment against plaintiff on its copyright-infringement claim on grounds of lack of access.

Bridgeport Music Inc. v. EMI Music Publishing, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., et al., No. 3:01-0698 (M.D. Tenn. 2002)
Successfully moved on behalf of record company for summary judgment on rap-sampling infringement claim on grounds of license.

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