Law360 published an article outlining the Ninth Circuit's rejection of the claim Led Zeppelin stole the introduction to "Stairway to Heaven" from a little-known 1967 instrumental ballad. The decision sent waves through the music industry as musicians and lawyers alike now have a new significant copyright precedent to consider — a first since the "Blurred Lines" decision in 2018.
Partner James Janowitz, co-chair of Pryor Cashman's Media + Entertainment group and senior partner in the Litigation Group, is quoted:
"There are a lot of people, both lawyers, and musicians, who think that case was wrongly decided," said Jim Janowitz, [...] referring the "Blurred Lines" ruling.
"What I find most important is what the court said here about the function of a judge as a gatekeeper," Janowitz said. "The jury needs to be guided in such a way that it can work its way through it and not be confused."
Read the full article in Law360.
More About Janowitz's Practice
Partner James Janowitz is among the country's most respected entertainment and media lawyers. As co-chair of Pryor Cashman's Media + Entertainment group and a senior partner in the Litigation Group, Jim has helped the firm build one of the most comprehensive entertainment practices in the country. He represents some of the industry's most celebrated artists as well as influential producers, film studios, television studios, networks, and investors.
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