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Copyright and Uses of Music by Political Campaigns (CRS Report for Congress)

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Release Date Oct. 2, 2024
Report Number IF12775
Report Type In Focus
Authors Kevin J. Hickey
Source Agency Congressional Research Service
Summary:

During election seasons, news stories often report of musicians and songwriters objecting to uses of their music by political campaigns. Sometimes, these artists send ceaseand-desist letters, threaten or file lawsuits, or otherwise publicly demand that candidates stop using their songs or recordings at political rallies or other events. The legal basis for these demands is not always clear, but the artists often claim infringement of their copyrights. Some artists have also asserted noncopyright claims such as false endorsement under the Lanham Act or violation of their rights of publicity under various state laws. This In Focus explains the legal principles governing these claims.