Is all this copyright infringement litigation going too far? The case against Led Zeppelin is now becoming tragically comic.
Earlier this week, a massive judgement against Shakira was reversed based on the discovery of completely fabricated evidence. Yeah, they made up the recordings and copyrights to score on the boom in infringement lawsuits (Sony is seeking $750,000 in damages; more on that situation later). Now, the case against another juicy target — Led Zeppelin — also seems to be heading towards the crazy place.
Last month, attorneys representing the estate of Spirit filed an aggressive lawsuit against Led Zeppelin, alleging that ‘Stairway to Heaven’ was actually a rip-off of ‘Taurus’ by the band Spirit. Immediately after that suit was filed, DMN readers recognized the signature chord progression in at least two earlier pieces, and ultimately, a baroque composition dating back to 1630. All of which means that Jimmy Page’s indelible guitar lick was nearly 400 years old and in the public domain.
Open and shut case, right? Wrong: Francis Malofiy, attorney for the estate of Spirit frontman Randy California, subsequently offered a ‘$1 settlement’ to Zeppelin’s attorneys for a substantial writing credit (and ownership share worth more than $40 million). That is probably going to be rejected, given that early next month, a jury is set to listen to a version of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ that existed in 17th century Italy.
Now, more information is surfacing on Malofiy himself, particularly during his work chasing a copyright infringement lawsuit against Usher in 2014. That case went down in flames, but not before Molify was sharply censured for ‘outrageous’ and ‘unprofessional’ behavior. “Throughout this copyright litigation, Plaintiff’s Counsel, Francis Malofiy, has behaved in a flagrantly unprofessional and offensive manner,” presiding Pennsylvania federal judge Paul Diamond wrote. “Seventeen of the twenty Defendants in this action have moved for the imposition of sanctions against Mr. Malofiy.”
The censure was splayed over dozens of pages, with endless examples cited by Diamond.
“More disturbing are Malofiy’s sexist, abusive remarks. For instance, during one deposition, Malofiy stated the following to Defense Counsel:
MALOFIY: Don’t be a girl about this . . .
DEFENSE COUNSEL: Mr. Malofiy, I would appreciate you not referring me to as a girl,which you have done repeatedly off the record and on the record.
(Stewart Dep. at 79-80).
All of which led to the possibility of Malofiy being disbarred, something that never happened. “Whether Malofiy should be removed from practice is a question properly answered in another forum,” Diamond concluded.
Your link headline says:
“Led Zeppelin Cited for “Flagrantly Unprofessional and Offensive” Behavior”
but your article (and actuality) says:
“Lawyer Fighting Led Zeppelin Cited for “Flagrantly Unprofessional and Offensive” Behavior”
So yeah 😉
Ok you fixed it ha.
I noticed that as well. Seems to me it’s been worded to entice maximum interest/readership.
Was that the initial title pushed? If so, mistake. But thanks for catching that.
Paul my friend, it really is still kinda blatant link bait for the headline to read “Lawyer Fighting Led Zeppelin Cited for “Flagrantly Unprofessional and Offensive” Behavior” . Perhaps something like “Lawyer Currently Fighting Led Zeppelin Was Cited for “Flagrantly Unprofessional and Offensive” Behavior Two Years Ago During Case Against Usher” would be a bit less inflammatory and misleading. It’s not fair to allow the telegraphic ambiguity of a short headline to make it sound like this just happened in connection with the ongoing proceedings.
Led Zeppelin ought to file a counter suit against Randy California’s Estate and Malofiy for attempted extortion. At minimum Randy’s Estate and Malofiy ought to pay for Zeppelin’s costs and fees related to the suit. Malofiy’s history as an attorney is blemished. Much of what he presented as testimony in the current case appears to be hearsay. I want to see Helene cross examine Malofiy as trustee.