South Africa:
David Guetta Accused Of Copyright Infringement
01 April 2019
Adams & Adams
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A popular South African musician, Daniel Baron,
has accused the international dance music superstar David
Guetta of plagiarising the melody from one of his singles. In
September 2018, Guetta released Light
Headed, featuring Australian singer Sia. Baron claims that
the melody is nearly identical to his own 2016 hit single, Children of the Sun.
Renowned music composition expert, Dr. Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph
agrees that Baron has a credible case for copyright infringement
against Guetta. Zaidel-Rudolph, a professor at the University of
the Witwatersrand was asked to provide a full analysis of the two
songs.
Subsequently, the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) –
with whom Baron registered his song – has also frozen all
royalties owed to Guetta for the song in SA, pending the outcome of
discussions between legal representatives of the two artists.
Adams & Adams has served a letter of demand to Guetta's
management on behalf of Baron, who is signed to Universal Music.
They are demanding that the Guetta credit him for his work and
share half of his profits for the song. Stephen Hollis, partner at
Adams & Adams, confirmed that the letter was sent in December,
but that no response has been forthcoming. They are now preparing
to proceed with legal action in South Africa and other
territories.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
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