0% found this document useful (0 votes)
4K views18 pages

Perry v. Wayne

A new copyright lawsuit that claim Roddy Ricch stole elements of his chart-topping 2019 song "The Box" from a 1975 soul song.

Uploaded by

Billboard
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
4K views18 pages

Perry v. Wayne

A new copyright lawsuit that claim Roddy Ricch stole elements of his chart-topping 2019 song "The Box" from a 1975 soul song.

Uploaded by

Billboard
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 18

Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 1 of 18

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT


FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
GREG PERRY AND
PEABODY & COMPANY LLC,
Plaintiff,
v.

RODERICK WAYNE, JR. p/k/a RODDY


RICCH; SAMUEL GLOADE p/k/a 30
Case No. 1:22-cv-10316
ROC; LAMAR ADARIUS MORAGNE;
AQEEL QADIR TATE; KHIRYE TYLER,
COMPLAINT FOR COPYRIGHT
LARRANCE LEVAR DOPSON; BLUE
INFRINGEMENT
NIKE PUBLISHING LLC; PEERMUSIC
III, LTD.; KOBALT MUSIC
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PUBLISHING AMERICA, INC.;
VOLUME VENTURES PUBLISHING,
LLC; WARNER-TAMERLANE
PUBLISHING CORORPATION;
ATLANTIC RECORDING
CORPORATION d/b/a ATLANTIC
RECORDS,
Defendants.

______________________________________________________________________________

COMPLAINT

1. This is an action for willful copyright infringement in which Plaintiffs Greg Perry

and Peabody & Company, LLC (collectively, “Plaintiffs”, each individually a “Plaintiff”), by and

through their undersigned counsel, bring their Complaint against Roderick Wayne, Jr., p/k/a

Roddy Ricch, Samuel Gloade, Lamar Adarius Moragne, Aqeel Qadir Tate, Khirye Taylor, Blue

Nike Publishing, PeerMusic III, Ltd, Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing, Volume Ventures

Publishing, LLC, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Atlantic Recording Corporation d/b/a

Atlantic Records (collectively, “Defendants”, each individually a “Defendant”). Plaintiffs’ claims

involve intentional infringement of a copyright in the musical composition of Plaintiffs’ original

1
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 2 of 18

work titled “COME ON DOWN (Get your Head Out of the Clouds)” (the “Infringed Work” or the

“Original Work”)(hereinafter “COME ON DOWN”) by Defendants of the song “THE BOX” (the

“Infringing Work”).

PARTIES

2. Plaintiff Greg Perry (“Perry”) is an individual resident of the State of California.

Greg Perry is the songwriter and performer of “COME ON DOWN”.

3. Plaintiff Peabody & Company LLC (“Peabody”) is a California limited liability

company owned by Greg Perry, with its principal place of business located at 567 W. Jackman St.,

Lancaster, California 93534 and is the owner of the musical composition for “COME ON

DOWN”.

4. Defendant Roderick Wayne, Jr. p/k/a Roddy Ricch (“Ricch”) is a California

resident and is a songwriter and performer of THE BOX.

5. Defendant Samuel Gloade p/k/a/ 30 Roc (“Gloade”) is upon information and belief

a Georgia resident and a songwriter of THE BOX.

6. Defendant Lamar Adarius Moragne (“Moragne”) is upon information and belief a

Georgia resident and a songwriter of THE BOX.

7. Defendant Aqeel Qadir Tate (“Tate”) is upon information and belief a Washington

D.C. resident and a songwriter of THE BOX.

8. Defendant Khirye Tyler (“Tyler”) is upon information and belief an Ohio resident

and a songwriter of THE BOX.

9. Defendant Larrance Levar Dopson (“Dopson”) is upon information and belief a

resident of California and a songwriter of THE BOX.

2
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 3 of 18

10. Defendant Blue Nike Publishing LLC (“Blue Nike”) is a California Limited

Liability Company with its principal place of business located at 31600 Railroad Canyon Rd.,

Suite A-111, Canyon Lake, California 92587. Upon information and belief, Blue Nike is affiliated

with PeerMusic, III, Ltd. which maintains offices at 152 W 57th St., 10th Floor, New York, New

York 10019.

11. Defendant PeerMusic, III, Ltd. (“PeerMusic”) is a Delaware Corporation with its

principal place of business located at 2397 Shattuck Ave., Berkley, California 94704. Upon

information and belief, PeerMusic maintains offices at 152 W 57th St., 10th Floor, New York, New

York 10019.

12. Defendant Kobalt Music Publishing America, Inc. (“Kobalt”) is a Delaware

Corporation with its principal place of business located at 2 Gansevoort Street, 6th Floor, New

York, New York 10014.

13. Defendant Volume Ventures Publishing, LLC (“Volume Ventures”) is upon

information and belief a Delaware Corporation with a principal place of business at 251 Little Falls

Dr., Wilmington, Delaware 19808. Upon information and belief, Volume Ventures is affiliated

with PeerMusic, III, Ltd. which maintains offices at 152 W 57th St., 10th Floor, New York, New

York 10019.

14. Defendant Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (“Warner”) is a California

Corporation with a principal place of business located at 10585 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles,

California 90025. Upon information and belief, Warner-Tamerlane is a wholly owned subsidiary

of Warner Music Group, which maintains offices at 1740 Broadway, New York, New York 10019.

15. Defendant Atlantic Recording Corporation d/b/a Atlantic (“Atlantic”) is a

Delaware corporation with its principal place of business located at 1633 Broadway, New York,

3
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 4 of 18

New York 10019. Upon information and belief, Atlantic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner

Music Group Corporation, which maintains offices at 1740 Broadway, New York, New York

10019.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

16. The jurisdiction of this Court with respect to the copyright infringement claims is

based upon 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(a) in that the controversy arises under the Copyright Act

and Copyright Revision Act of 1976 (17 U.S.C. 101 et seq.), which is within the exclusive

jurisdiction of federal courts pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331.

17. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendants because certain Defendants

reside in New York and all Defendants have directed their activities and marketing of the Infringing

Work to New York residents, who are able to purchase, download, and stream the infringing song. As

such, the Defendants have engaged in continuing business activities in this jurisdiction.

18. The Defendants are, at a minimum, constructively aware of their continuous and

substantial commercial interactions with New York residents.

19. Upon information and belief, the Defendants, individually and collectively, have

generated substantial revenue from the exploitation of the Infringing Work in New York.

20. New York has a considerable interest in adjudicating disputes wherein New York

citizens are the target of the harm resulting from exploitation of the Infringing Work

21. This Court has general personal jurisdiction over the individual Defendants, who

reside or are essentially at home in the Judicial District, and the Corporate Defendants, who are

incorporated or have their principal place of business in New York.

22. This Court has specific personal jurisdiction over Defendants given systematic and

continuous business contacts of both corporate and individual Defendants with respect to the

4
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 5 of 18

Infringing Work, evidenced by the connections discussed herein, which, collectively, demonstrate

purposeful availment, and show that this Court has jurisdiction over all Defendants.

23. Additionally, the business entity Defendants are all affiliated with music publishers

that maintain offices in New York City and employ New York residents or have their own offices in

New York City and employ New York residents. These Defendants are publishers of the Infringing

Work and have knowingly and intentionally licensed and distributed, or authorized the licensing and

distribution of, the Infringing Work in New York to New York companies in which these Defendants

receive income and royalties for their interest in the Infringing Work based on sales, downloads,

streams and other income producing activities by New York residents.

24. This Court has general and specific personal jurisdiction over Defendant PeerMusic

because, upon information and belief, it has continuous and systemic contacts with the State of New

York to render it essentially at home in New York. Specifically, PeerMusic maintains offices at 152

W 57th St., 10th Floor, New York, New York 10019 where it employs New York residents.

25. This Court has specific jurisdiction over Volume Ventures because, upon information

and belief, it is affiliated with PeerMusic, which maintains offices at 152 W 57th St., 10th Floor, New

York, New York 10019 where it employs New York residents.

26. This Court has general and specific jurisdiction over Defendant Warner because it is a

wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group Corporation, which maintains offices at 1740

Broadway, New York, New York 10019 where it employees New York residents.

27. This Court has general and specific jurisdiction over Defendant Kobalt because it has

its principal place of business located at 2 Gansevoort Street, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10014

where it employs New York residents.

28. This Court has general and specific jurisdiction over Defendant Atlantic Recording

5
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 6 of 18

because its principal place of business located at 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019 and

because it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group Corporation, which maintains offices

at 1740 Broadway, New York, New York 10019. Atlantic is a record label responsible for

coordinating, among other things, the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing, and promotion

of the Infringing Work in the United States. Atlantic has sold, and benefited from the sale of, the

Infringing Work in New York. Upon information and belief, Atlantic conducts systematic and

continuous business in this District, and has generated substantial revenue from exploitation of the

Infringing Work in New York.

29. This Court has specific jurisdiction over Defendant Ricch because, upon information

and belief, he has licensed and/or authorized the licensing, distribution, and sale of the Infringing Work

to New York companies and residents of New York and within this Judicial District; and has directly

advertised or authorized others to advertise the Infringing Work through New York companies and to

New York residents and has generated substantial revenues from performing the Infringing Work and

selling the Infringing Work in the State of New York and in this Judicial District. Upon information

and belief, Defendant Ricch performed the Infringing Work at Madison Square Garden, New York,

New York on October 13, 2022. He performed the Infringing Work at Citi Field Rolling Loud New

York, New York on or about October 30, 2021.

30. Additionally, this Court has specific jurisdiction over Defendant Ricch because, upon

information and belief, he is affiliated with Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing as his music publisher

which has its principal place of business at 2 Gansevoort St., 6th Floor, New York, New York 10014.

31. Additionally, this Court has specific jurisdiction over Defendant Ricch because, upon

information and belief, he is signed with Performing Rights Organization Global Music Rights, LLC

(“GMR”), which upon information and belief is a Delaware limited liability company doing business

6
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 7 of 18

in New York at 28 Liberty Street, New York, New York 10005.

32. Additionally, this Court has specific jurisdiction over Defendants Ricch because, upon

information and belief, Defendant Ricch was previously affiliated with Broadcast Music Inc. (“BMI”),

which, upon information and belief, at relevant times directed its actions on Defendant Ricch’s behalf

in New York. BMI is a Delaware Corporation with its headquarters located at 7 World Trade Center,

250 Greenwich Street, New York, New York.

33. Additionally, this Court has specific jurisdiction over Defendants Gloade, Morangne,

Tate and Dopson because, upon information and belief, these Defendants are affiliated with

Performing Rights Organization, Broadcast Music Inc. (“BMI”), which, upon information and belief,

directs its actions on Defendant Gloade, Morangne and Tate’s behalf in New York. BMI is a Delaware

Corporation with its headquarters located at 7 World Trade Center, 250 Greenwich Street, New York,

New York.

34. Additionally, this Court has specific jurisdiction over Defendants Gloade, Morange,

Tate and Tyler because, upon information and belief, they are represented by Warner Tamarlane

Publishing Corp. which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group Corporation, which

maintains offices at 1740 Broadway, New York, New York 10019.

35. This Court has specific jurisdiction over Defendant Dopson because, upon information

and belief, he is affiliated with PeerMusic which maintains offices at 152 W 57th St., 10th Floor, New

York, New York 10019.

36. Venue is proper in this District under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b) and (c) and 28 U.S.C.

§ 1400(a), in that the claims arise in this Judicial District, where Defendants regularly conduct

business and may be found.

FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS

7
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 8 of 18

37. This is an action for copyright infringement, in violation of 17 U.S.C. §§ 101 et

seq., arising from the Defendants’ unauthorized reproduction, distribution, and/or public

performance of the Plaintiffs’ copyrighted musical composition “COME ON DOWN” within the

hit song “THE BOX”, written by the Songwriter Defendants.

38. Plaintiffs are the authors, creators, and the legal and beneficial owners of the

composition in the Original Work, COME ON DOWN, which has been registered with the United

States Copyright Office as identified by Copyright Registration Number, Pau000028799.

39. The musical composition for COME ON DOWN was co-written by Greg Perry,

Katie Davis and Mallory Cowart. Greg Perry, owner of Peabody & Company recorded the master

recording embodying the musical composition.

The Timing and Opportunity Support Infringement

40. COME ON DOWN was released in 1975 by Casablanca Records and published by

Peabody & Company.

41. It was an immediate hit and peaked at #24 on the R&B charts.

42. COME ON DOWN was also widely disseminated across the R&B musical

landscape.

43. The long lasting popularity of COME ON DOWN has continued over the years and

has been widely disseminated and popular in the rap community for many years.

44. In 2008, Plaintiffs licensed COME ON DOWN to Island Def Jam Music Group for

use in the Young Jeezy song “WORDPLAY”. Plaintiff was granted an advance and sixty percent

(60%) interest in the copyright of the Young Jeezy Composition for WORDPLAY.

45. In 2016, Plaintiff licensed a sample of COME ON DOWN to Epic Records for use

in the Yo Gotti song “I REMEMBER”. Plaintiff was granted an advance and an undivided fifty

8
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 9 of 18

percent (50%) interest in the composition for I REMEMBER. The copyright registration for “I

REMEMBER” confirms it contains elements from “COME ON DOWN” written by Greg Perry.

46. The use of the distinctive compositional elements of COME ON DOWN have

remained so popular in both the R&B and Rap Community that access to the composition is firmly

established.

THE BOX is a Commercial Success

47. On or about December 6, 2019, THE BOX was released by Atlantic Records.

48. Defendants are the authors, creators, and the legal and beneficial owners of the

composition in the Infringing Work, THE BOX, which has been registered with the United States

Copyright Office as identified by Copyright Registration Numbers, PA0002246250 and

PA0002307885.

49. Defendant Atlantic Records is the claimed owner of the sound recording of THE

BOX, as identified by Copyright Registration Number SR0000934079.

50. Upon information and belief, THE BOX is a substantial commercial success. It has

spent several weeks across numerous hit music charts, including reaching No. 1 on the Billboard

Hot 100.

51. THE BOX spent eleven weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, as well

as toping the charts in Canada, New Zealand, Hungary, and peaking at number two in both the UK

and Ireland.

52. Moreover, upon information and belief, the international success of THE BOX has

led to several subsequent remixes of the song being made by other artists.

53. Upon information and belief, THE BOX has to this date garnered millions of

streams on the internet streaming service “Spotify”.

9
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 10 of 18

54. An official music video of the song was released on February 28, 2020. The video

has over 11 million views on YouTube as of November 18, 2022. Other video versions have

garnered substantial views and revenue for Defendants as well.

55. The song has also been viewed over 6.5 billion times and used in more than 2.4

million videos on “TikTok”.

56. Upon information and belief, THE BOX has already earned a substantial amount

of revenues in royalties and other means, and continues to generate such revenue.

57. THE BOX was the biggest selling song of the final half of 2019, selling 4.7 million

equivalent units as of July 2, 2020.

58. Apple Music named THE BOX as Song of the Year.

59. The BOX received three nominations at the 63rd Annual Grammy awards, including

for Song of the Year.

60. THE BOX has become a huge commercial success and has generated (and

continues to generate) substantial amounts of royalties.

Musicological Analysis of COME ON DOWN and THE BOX


Demonstrates Clear Infringement

61. By every method of analysis, THE BOX contains a complete duplication of certain

compositional elements of Plaintiffs’ Original Work taken directly from Plaintiffs who wrote,

recorded, and published the earlier, identical Original Work COME ON DOWN.

62. Comparative analysis of the beat, lyrics, hook, rhythmic structure, metrical

placement, and narrative context by a musicology expert demonstrates clearly and convincingly

that THE BOX is an unauthorized duplication and infringement of certain elements of COME ON

DOWN.

10
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 11 of 18

63. THE BOX is so substantially similar to COME ON DOWN that ordinary observers

would accurately perceive that the two songs sound the same, which they do. THE BOX and

COME ON DOWN both contain substantially similar defining compositional elements, including,

without limitation, substantial similarities in melody, form, structure, and function. The songs’

substantial similarities reach the very essence of each work.

64. Expert musicology analysis confirms that the ascending minor scale played by

violin at the opening of COME ON DOWN is a distinctive musical element which recurs a total

of 6 times throughout the song.

65. A substantially similar melodic figure is played in THE BOX and permeates the

song. It appears 24 times. It is a key feature of the song and substantially similar, if not identical,

to the distinctive musical elements contained in COME ON DOWN.

66. Other rap artists have sought licenses and granted proper copyright interest to

Plaintiff to record substantially similar features of the musical composition COME ON DOWN in

their songs.

67. Plaintiffs maintain a copyright interest in those musical compositions.

Specifically, Plaintiffs maintain a copyright interest in the musical composition of the song

“WORDPLAY” as performed by Young Jeezy, released in 2008, with copyright registration

number SR0000616586 and Plaintiffs maintain a copyright interest in the musical composition “I

REMEMBER” as performed by Yo Gotti, released in 2016, with a copyright registration number

of PA0002299093 for the composition and SR0000818966 for the sound recording.

68. Both of these compositions and recordings utilized similar if not identical elements

of COME ON DOWN as the Infringing Work does. Both works were pre-existing as of the date

11
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 12 of 18

of the release of THE BOX and provide further evidence of access to and copying of COME ON

DOWN by Defendants.

69. For these reasons, and as further provided herein, Defendants have infringed upon

the copyrights of Plaintiffs; Defendants have unlawfully exploited COME ON DOWN;

Defendants have deceived and/or confused the public into thinking that THE BOX is the

independent creation of Defendants. And in doing so, Defendants have, with actual knowledge

and intent, caused serious and significant injury to Plaintiffs.

70. Plaintiffs contend that substantial portions of COME ON DOWN were used by

Defendants to create an unauthorized duplication of COME ON DOWN so that Defendants have

infringed Plaintiffs’ copyrights.

71. First, a lay person listening to both songs, particularly the musical elements at issue,

can hear the strikingly similar (and, at times, identical) tempo and melody of the two songs.

72. However, music can be analyzed scientifically as well through musicological

research and analysis to determine whether infringement occurred.

73. Musicology analysis confirms that the portions of COME ON DOWN copied by

Defendants in THE BOX are substantially similar when reviewing through a comparative analysis

of the two songs.

74. Other Defendants in the rap world that have chosen to copy elements of COME ON

DOWN have done so legally and correctly by licensing the musical composition, granting Peabody

& Company its proper copyright interest, and paying royalties.

75. Defendants chose not to license the musical composition from Plaintiffs and instead

chose to intentionally infringe upon the copyright.

FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION

12
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 13 of 18

DIRECT, CONTRIBUTORY AND VICARIOUS COPYRIGHT INFRINGMENT


IN VIOLATION OF 17 U.S.C. § 101, et seq
(AGAINST ALL DEFENDANTS)

76. Plaintiffs re-allege each and every fact set forth in the preceding Paragraphs of the

Complaint as if they were fully set forth herein.

77. The Original Work is properly registered with the United States Copyright Office.

Plaintiff are the legal and beneficial owner of the United States copyright in all rights, title, and

interests of the musical composition of the Original Work.

78. Defendants had access to the Original Work (as discussed above). Furthermore,

Plaintiffs’ Original Work and Defendants’ Infringing Work are strikingly similar, such that access

is presumed by not only ordinary listeners, but by expert musicology analysis.

79. Collectively, Defendants released, manufactured, distributed, licensed, and

marketed the Infringing Work.

80. Defendants’ unauthorized reproduction, distribution, public performance, display

and creation of a derivative work, the Infringing Work, infringes Plaintiffs’ exclusive rights in

violation of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.

81. Defendants did not seek or receive permission to copy or interpolate any portion of

the Original Work into the Infringing Work. Despite the lack of permission, and in blatant

disregard for Plaintiffs’ rights, Defendants unlawfully copied qualitatively and quantitatively

important portions of the Original Work into the Infringing Work.

82. Defendants’ conduct has at all times been knowing, willful, and with complete

disregard to Plaintiffs’ rights.

83. As a proximate cause of Defendants’ wrongful conduct, Plaintiffs have been

irreparably harmed.

13
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 14 of 18

84. The Infringing Work copy quantitatively and qualitatively distinct, important,

unique, and recognizable portions of the Original Work. The copied materials are also

qualitatively and quantitatively important to the Infringing Work, and recognizable to the ordinary

observer.

85. From the date of the creation of the Infringing Work, all of Defendants have

infringed Plaintiffs’ copyright interest in the Original Work including: (a) by substantially copying

and publicly performing, or authorizing the copying and public performances, including publicly

performing the Infringing Work at radio, live concerts, personal appearances, and on video,

television, and otherwise; (b) by authorizing the reproduction, distribution, and sale of the records

and digital downloads through the execution of licenses, and/or actually selling, manufacturing,

and/or distributing the Infringing Work through various sources; (c) by substantially copying and

the related marketing and promotion of the sale of the records, videos, tickets to concerts and other

performances, and other merchandise; and (d) by participating in and furthering the

aforementioned infringing acts, and/or sharing in the proceeds therefrom, all through substantial

use of the Original Work in and as part of the Infringing Work packaged in a variety of

configurations and digital downloads and performed in a variety of ways including radio, concerts,

personal appearances, video, television, and/or otherwise.

86. Plaintiffs have received no copyright ownership in and for any of the exploitations

of the Infringing Work.

87. The infringement by Defendants has been, and continues to be, willful and

knowing.

88. Defendants have reproduced and/or distributed and continue to manufacture,

reproduce and distribute large numbers of copies of the Infringing Work, which violate Plaintiffs’

14
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 15 of 18

copyrights and are at issue in this lawsuit. Defendants have granted, or caused to be granted to

various parties, licenses to reproduce, sample and/or distribute the Infringing Work in violation of

Plaintiffs’ copyrights.

89. With knowledge of the infringement, Defendants have induced, caused, or

materially contributed to the infringing conduct of others, such that they should be found to be

contributorily liable.

90. Defendants have the right and ability to control other infringers and have derived a

direct financial benefit from that infringement such that Defendants should be found to be

vicariously liable.

91. The infringement is continuing as the Infringing Work continue to be sold and

licensed for sale, downloads, ringtones, mastertones, and other exploitations by Defendants, or

their agents.

92. As a direct and proximate result of the conduct of the Defendants, Plaintiffs have

suffered actual damages including lost profits, lost opportunities, loss of goodwill, and lost

publicity.

93. Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 504(b), Plaintiffs are entitled to damages, including the

substantial profits of Defendants, direct and indirect, as will be proven at trial.

94. Plaintiffs are entitled to Defendants’ profits relating to foreign sales of copies of

the Infringing Work that were manufactured, distributed, or otherwise infringed domestically, to

the extent a predicate act of infringement occurred in the United States.

95. Defendants’ conduct is causing and, unless enjoined by this Court, will continue to

cause Plaintiffs irreparable injury that cannot be fully compensated or measured in monetary terms.

Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law.

15
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 16 of 18

96. Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 502, Plaintiffs are entitled to a permanent injunction,

following judgment, prohibiting the reproduction, distribution, sale, public performance, or other

use or exploitation of the Infringing Work, or, in the alternative, a continuing royalty for each sale

or license of the Infringing Work, or any money received by Defendants related thereto, following

judgment, and related to any amount not taken into account in the Judgment, in an amount to be

determined.

97. Defendants’ reproduction, distribution, promotion and public performances of THE

BOX continue to this day.

98. Defendants have neither requested permission nor compensated Plaintiffs for the

use of Plaintiffs’ copyrighted work, even though defendants received money and other substantial

benefits from Plaintiffs’ song.

99. Defendants’ reproduction, distribution, and public performance of THE BOX, and

their authorizing others to do the same, infringes Plaintiffs’ exclusive rights under the United States

Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. § 101, et seq.

100. Defendants’ conduct in infringing COME ON DOWN is knowing and willful.

101. As a direct and/or proximate cause of Defendants’ wrongful conduct, Plaintiffs

have been irreparably harmed, suffered (and continue to suffer) damages, and Defendants have

profited in an amount to be determined at trial.

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs pray for judgment against Defendants and for the following

relief:

A. A declaration that Defendants have willfully infringed Plaintiffs’ copyrighted work

in violation of the Copyright Act;

16
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 17 of 18

B. A declaration that Defendants are directly, vicariously and/or contributorily liable

for copyright infringement, as applicable;

C. An award of damages pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 504(b), including actual damages,

and the direct and indirect profits of Defendants as will be proven at trial;

D. A permanent injunction requiring Defendants and their agents, servants,

employees, officers, attorneys, successors, licensees, partners, and assigns, and all persons acting

in concert or participation with each or any one of them, to cease directly and indirectly infringing,

and causing, enabling, facilitating, encouraging, promoting, inducing, and/or participating in the

infringement of any of Plaintiffs’ rights protected by the Copyright Act;

E. If the Court determines a permanent injunction is not the appropriate remedy for

the continued infringement of Plaintiffs’ rights under the Copyright Act, then pursuant to

precedent, Plaintiffs be compensated by a running royalty paid on all exploitations the Infringing

Work commencing from the date of judgment and for all amounts not taken into consideration in

the judgment;

F. An award of attorneys’ fees and costs;

G. Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest according to law, as applicable; and

H. For such other and further relief as this Court may deem just and proper.

DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 38(b), and otherwise, Plaintiffs respectfully

demand a trial by jury.

Dated: December 6, 2022


GORDON REES SCULLY MANSUKHANI

/s/ Joshua D. Wilson


Joshua D. Wilson (NY Bar #5825633)
One Battery Park

17
Case 1:22-cv-10316 Document 1 Filed 12/06/22 Page 18 of 18

28th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Telephone: (615) 772-9007
Facsimile: (615) 970-7490
[email protected]

Attorney for Plaintiffs

18

You might also like