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You can't dance to that, Ellen

The pick of Ellen Degeneres as the next American Idol judge is being overshadowed today by the news that big record companies are suing her TV show. They claim Ellen's little dance numbers are a violation of copyright laws.

From Rolling Stone:

...the labels allege that Ellen's show has broadcast over 1,000 songs during the "dance over" segment of the show -- when Ellen dances through the audience while moving from stage to stage -- without ever paying for the licenses.

From a legal standpoint, this looks like a pretty open and shut case. How did the producers of the show not know they had to obtain licenses for the songs to broadcast them on national TV?

On the other hand, what's with the record companies waiting this long to sue? After 1,000 song violations? Come on. You'd think they could've gone to Ellen and said hey, we appreciate the promotion, but we need to work out a deal here. You're violating copyrights.

I think this calls for a visit from the Don't Sue People Panda:

What's your take on this?

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sandy in cincy's picture
sandy in cincy - Sep 12, 2009

So does this mean that the DJ that played at my wedding can be sued also because many people videotaped there and showed it to many others!! Geez, the labels clearly aren't making enough money! And they need to find new corporate lawyers if it took them this long to figure it out! I hope Ellen can somehow beat this case!!!!

sandy in cincy's picture
sandy in cincy - Sep 12, 2009

Does this mean that the DJ who played at my wedding can be sued also??? Geez...the labels aren't making enough money so they are resorting to this???? I hope Ellen can somehow beat them!

Steve's picture
Steve - Sep 14, 2009

I think it's ignorance on both parties behalf. This should have been addresses a long time ago. IMO, it is just another report of the ignorance that occurs when someone becomes successful and has lots of money.. people try to take advantage of them.

David's picture
David - Sep 11, 2009

Why be proactive and jump on the issue ... wait until 1000 violations then you can bluster and bleat and whine in court and hopefully make more money.

They sure aren't selling more CDs this year, are they?