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Songwriter Files Lawsuit Against WWE (Not the wrong section)


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A licensing inquiry by THQ led one songwriter to file a federal lawsuit against WWE, WWE-owned entertainment organization redirected royalty payments to several wrestling related Called Sting" (Sting), "Mr. Bang Bang" (Cactus Jack), "Master of the DDT" (Jake "The Snake" Roberts), "Freebird Forever" (The Fabulous Freebirds), "Simply Ravishing" ("Ravishing" Rick Rude), "Johnny B Badd," "The Natural ("The Natural" Dustin Rhodes) "The Dragon" (Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat), "He's Smokin" (Barry Windham) and "Steinerized" (The Steiner Brothers).

 

Papa says he was contacted by video-game company THQ for permission to license "Badstreet USA." for its Legends of WrestleMania title that was released in March 2009. The lawsuit alleges, "THQ’s records showed the resultingin the royalties being redirected to Defendants. Eventually, through working with BMI, Papa was able to correct the registration to properly reflect his ownership in the work. However, by the time the registration was corrected, THQ had decided not to use the song."

 

The suit says, "His investigation revealed a systematic pattern of errors and omissions by WWE personnel that effectively misappropriated Papa’s musical works and deprived the Plaintiffs of royalty payments that would have been paid but for these errors and omissions." According to BMI.com, "Mr. Bang Bang" has two separate registration numbers: one for Papa, another that credits James Alan Johnston as songwriter and Stephanie Music Publishing as publisher. Johnston is WWE's longtime music composer while Stephanie Music Publishing is a company owned by Vince McMahon that was named after his daughter, Stephanie.

 

Papa says his songs have appeared on myriad places including numerous video releases, broadcasts of cable detailing how they have complied with the injunction; reimbursement for legal fees; and a trial by jury where the court will determine damages. He also wants the court to certify that he owns the rights to the music.

 

Source: http://nodq.com/wwe/344676427.shtml

 

So, THQ considered putting Hayes in.... they still might, but with a different theme?

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