(CMC)- Guyanese singer Eddy Grant has won a copyright lawsuit against former President Donald Trump over the unauthorized use of his 1983 hit “Electric Avenue” in a 2020 campaign video.
A US District Judge found Trump liable for damages, rejecting his claim of “fair use.” The judge confirmed that Grant’s copyright was valid and that the song’s use in the video was not protected under fair-use exemptions. The video, which showed a high-speed “Trump-Pence” train juxtaposed with a slow-moving Joe Biden, featured about 40 seconds of Grant’s song and garnered over 13.7 million views.
Grant’s attorney, Brett Van Benthysen, hailed the decision as a complete victory. The ruling could potentially lead to a damages trial or a negotiated settlement. Grant had originally sought $300,000, which could increase to cover legal fees.
The judge’s decision emphasized that the song’s use was commercial and central to the video, impacting its market value and Grant’s ability to license his work. Trump’s legal team has not yet responded to the ruling.
