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Jonathan Coulton Song Used By Glee Without Permission

Posted by timothy on from the perhaps-they-can-call-it-willful dept.

FunPika writes "Jonathan Coulton, who is known for songs such as "Code Monkey", is claiming that his cover of "Baby Got Back" was used without permission on Glee, a television show aired by Fox Broadcasting Company. When the Glee version appeared on YouTube last week, Coulton suspected that it sounded similar to his cover, and several of his fans confirmed this by analyzing the two tracks. Despite Coulton contacting Fox, they continued with airing the episode and have placed the song on sale in iTunes."

4 of 307 comments (clear)

  1. Copyright protection by whoever57 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    What, did anyone think that copyright was intended to protect anyone except the rich and powerful?

    --
    The real "Libtards" are the Libertarians!
    1. Re:Copyright protection by dgatwood · · Score: 5, Insightful

      This is the point at which he should submit a DMCA takedown request to Apple.

      --

      Check out my sci-fi/humor trilogy at PatriotsBooks.

    2. Re:Copyright protection by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Screw that, this is where you go Bittersweet Symphony on their ass..

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitter_Sweet_Symphony

      Rolling stones bent over The Verve and took all the money generated from their #1 hit because it contained "too much of a sample" that they had licensed.

      I say let this track run iTunes, and then sue them for all the money it generated.

  2. Re:Its not Jonathons song by ExploHD · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Yes, he did a cover. However, he did a specific arrangement of the song that the show took as their own. From the opening chorus to the way the guitar is played, it's the same arrangement of Baby Got Back. I have a feeling that the music arranger for the show might be let go for getting credit where credit wasn't due.