Country music star Morgan Wallen is facing a lawsuit for allegedly infringing upon the copyright of a songwriter. The suit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, accuses Wallen of using elements from a song without permission or payment in his hit single “Up Down”.
Who is Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen is a country music singer-songwriter who has achieved immense success in the past few years. He has released two studio albums, and his singles have topped the US Country Airplay Chart multiple times. He has also won several awards, including two CMT Music Awards and four ACM Awards.
The lawsuit, filed by songwriter Austin Jenkins, alleges that Morgan Wallen infringed on a copyright owned by Jenkins when he used elements from his song “Yellow Eyes” in his hit single “Up Down” without permission or payment.
Background Information
Morgan Wallen is a country music singer-songwriter who has achieved immense success in the past few years. His 2018 debut album, If I Know Me, peaked at No. 2 on the US Country Charts and was certified gold by the RIAA.
The incident that led to the lawsuit occurred when Morgan Wallen released his hit single “Up Down” in 2018. The songwriter, Austin Jenkins, claims that Wallen infringed on a copyright owned by him when he used elements from his song “Yellow Eyes” without seeking permission or paying for it.
The parties involved in this lawsuit are Morgan Wallen, singer-songwriter and defendant in the case; Austin Jenkins, songwriter and plaintiff in the case; and Big Loud Records, Wallen’s record label.
Lawsuit Details
The lawsuit alleges that Morgan Wallen infringed on Austin Jenkins’ copyright when he used elements from his song “Yellow Eyes” in his own hit single “Up Down” without seeking permission or paying for it.
The plaintiff, Austin Jenkins, has filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee against Morgan Wallen and Big Loud Records for copyright infringement. The complaint alleges that Wallen willfully infringed upon.
Austin Jenkins is seeking damages for Morgan Wallen and Big Loud Records’ alleged infringement of his copyright. He is asking for an unspecified amount in compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and costs associated with filing the lawsuit.
Legal Arguments
The basis of the lawsuit is that Morgan Wallen and Big Loud Records allegedly infringed on Austin Jenkins’ copyright when they used elements from his song “Yellow Eyes” in Wallen’s hit single “Up Down” without seeking permission or paying for it.
The plaintiff, Austin Jenkins, is making a copyright infringement claim against Morgan Wallen and Big Loud Records. Copyright infringement is defined as the unauthorized use of another’s intellectual property without permission or payment.
Morgan Wallen and Big Loud Records may potentially raise the defense that they did not willfully infringe on Austin Jenkins’ copyright. This is because they may argue that they were unaware of Jenkins’ song when they created “Up Down” or that any similarities between the two songs were coincidental.
Public and Industry Response
Since the lawsuit was filed against him, Morgan Wallen has faced public backlash from fans and the music industry alike. Many fans have expressed their disappointment in his actions, while others have voiced their support for the songwriter whose copyright was allegedly infringed upon.
The lawsuit against Morgan Wallen has had a significant impact on his music career and public image. In addition to receiving backlash from fans, Wallen’s songs have been pulled from many major radio stations across the US, leading to a decrease in airplay and an overall decrease in sales for his music.
In the wake of the lawsuit, industry professionals have taken a number of actions in response. A number of major radio stations across the US have pulled Morgan Wallen’s songs from their playlists, leading to a decrease in airplay and sales for his music.
Potential Consequences
The potential outcomes of this lawsuit are uncertain, but it is likely that Morgan Wallen and Big Loud Records will face significant financial penalties if they are found to have willfully infringed upon Austin Jenkins’ copyright.
The potential ramifications of this lawsuit for Morgan Wallen’s future are far-reaching. If found to have willfully infringed upon Austin Jenkins’ copyright, Wallen may face significant financial penalties and experience a decrease in airplay and sales of his music due to the public backlash.
Progress and Resolution Updates
Since the lawsuit was filed, Morgan Wallen and Big Loud Records have not publicly responded to the allegations. However, it has been reported that Jenkins is seeking an unspecified amount in compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and costs associated with filing the lawsuit.
At this time, there have been no settlements or resolutions reached in the lawsuit between Austin Jenkins and Morgan Wallen and Big Loud Records. The case is still pending, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately be decided.
Conclusion
The lawsuit between Austin Jenkins and Morgan Wallen and Big Loud Records is ongoing, and there have been no settlements or resolutions reached as of yet. The outcome of this case is uncertain, but it is likely that Morgan Wallen and Big Loud Records may face significant financial penalties if they are found to have willfully infringed upon Jenkins’ copyright.