Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich's aversion to integrity is causing him to be sued for using music without permision.
January 31, 2012- Newt Gingrich has been sued for using the song Eye of the Tiger at some of his campaign events. Now he not only has problems at the polls as the important Florida primary nears, but he has to deal with a lawsuit.
Survivor that became renowned as a theme song in the movie Rocky III filed the lawsuit in Chicago and claims that Gingrich unlawfully used the song. Rude Music, Inc filed the lawsuit, a company owned by Frankie Sullivan, a Survivor guitarist and songwriter. The suit alleges that Gingrich’s campaign has used the song at many appearances since as long ago as 2009.
The complaint alleges unauthorized use of the song in the different pubic performances Gingrich has had in his current campaign and at other public appearance he has made. The suit says it infringes on the copyright owned by Rude Music, Inc. The lawsuit is also asking for monetary damages.
Eye of the Tiger, following the release of Rocky III in theaters, dominated the music charts during 1982, making the band an instant success. The song won a Grammy for Survivor and was nominated for an Academy Award. The success of the song led the group to record songs featured in The Karate Kid and Rocky IV.
Gingrich is not the first political candidate to be sued or threatened with a suit by musicians or songwriters. Michele Bachmann, former President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama and John McCain have all had run ins or been threatened with lawsuits by lawyers representing musicians or songwriters.
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