Detroit Judge Rules Against The Romantics

[Andy Chalk]

Detroit Judge Rules Against The Romantics

A federal court judge has ruled in favor of The Romantics [http://www.activision.com].

Wavegroup Sound [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/79215]because the cover of the band's hit "What I Like About You," which Activision had obtained permission to use, sounded too much like the original. Romantics lead singer Wally Palmer claimed the band had spent years developing its "distinctive sound" and that he was "very upset" over the game's use of the song. The suit sought unspecified damages, as well as an injunction against further sales of the game, which it also claimed infringed upon the band's likeness.

The decision means Activision may continue to use the song in its popular Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s [http://www.guitarherogame.com/gh80s/]. In his ruling, the judge concluded that Activision "did exactly what the company was supposed to do" during its development of the game.

Following the ruling, Activision released a statement saying, "Activision is pleased with the ruling and thinks the case is without merit. Respect for all artists is an important value of the company and Activision has a long history of supporting artists from a range of entertainment fields. The company believes videogames represent a growing opportunity for the music industry to reach new audiences and a strong source of potential license revenue for both bands and music publishers."



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[The Irrelevant Gamer]

This proves there are at least some places where the legal system works. Activision obtained permission. The case was without merit. I figure Wally just saw the green harvest Guitar Hero was reaping, and wanted a bigger cut. The Romantics basically have to cash in on that one song for the rest of their lives.

 

[gamerock]

The Romantics were mad because Activision was too cheap to purchase the rights to use the master recording for The Romantics' own version of the song "What I Like About You." The Romantics own the master for this hit song, not a big record company. Activision has no problem using recordings by other 80s artists such as Guns N Roses, nearly all of these recordings belong to the big record companies. The Romantics want to make money just like the big record companies and who's to say they don't deserve the money or the recognition? Did The Romantics sue Activsion out of spite or for revenge? Perhaps Activision is in bed with the big record companies? W

ithout million dollar promotions and mass produced Pink Floyd t-shirts, maybe it's harder for the independent artists to make a living than any of us could ever understand.