Comedian Rodney Dangerfield was famous for saying, “I don’t get no respect!” Now a group of comedians is banding together to send the same message, specifically to Pandora, a free music-streaming app. These funny guys are suing Pandora, and neither side is laughing. What’s this lawsuit about?
This is a lawsuit about copyright. Music streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music are usually careful to acquire the necessary permissions to play copyrighted music. But for years, Pandora has been ignoring the legal rights of comedians by playing their comedy routines on their streaming service without seeking permission or paying royalties. Now, a group of comedians is including George Lopez, Lewis Black, Andrew “Dice” Clay, and the estates of George Carlin and Robin Williams are suing Pandora.
Listen in as patent and trademark attorney John Rizvi, The Patent Professor®, discusses the issue with talk radio KOGO in San Diego.