Case Summary
**Case Summary: George Clinton v. Universal Music Group, Inc.**
**Docket Number:** 7848039
**Court:** [Specify the Court if known, e.g., United States District Court for a specific district]
**Filing Date:** [Specify if known]
**Parties Involved:**
- **Plaintiff:** George Clinton, a prominent musician and frontman of the funk band Parliament-Funkadelic.
- **Defendant:** Universal Music Group, Inc., a major music publishing and record label company.
**Case Overview:**
This case involves a legal dispute between George Clinton and Universal Music Group, Inc. concerning issues related to copyright, royalties, and the exploitation of music catalog rights. Clinton alleges that the defendant has failed to provide proper royalties from his music catalog, which includes works both performed and written by him, particularly from his time with Parliament-Funkadelic.
**Background:**
George Clinton is recognized for his significant contributions to the funk genre, creating a vast catalog of music that has become influential across various genres. His works have been widely sampled and reproduced within the music industry. The plaintiff claims that Universal Music Group has not compensated him adequately for the use of his music and alleges breaches of contract regarding royalty payments.
**Legal Claims:**
1. Breach of Contract: Clinton asserts that Universal Music Group has violated the terms of their agreement concerning royalty payments for his music catalog.
2. Copyright Infringement: The case may also involve allegations that Universal Music Group has unlawfully used Clinton's music in a way that infringes on his rights as a copyright holder.
**Relief Sought:**
George Clinton seeks monetary damages for unpaid royalties, interest, and an accounting of all profits generated from the allegedly exploited works. He may also seek declaratory relief regarding his rights and the terms of any agreements with Universal Music Group.
**Current Status:**
The case is ongoing, and various procedural steps, such as motions for summary judgment, discovery processes, and potential settlements, may be taking place. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for artist rights, particularly concerning contracts and royalties within the music industry.
**Significance:**
This case highlights the ongoing issues faced by artists regarding the management of their intellectual property and the complexities of music royalties, especially for those who have a long-standing legacy like George Clinton. The results could influence future contractual agreements and the treatment of catalog rights within the music industry.
**Note:** For more detailed and updated information regarding this case, including rulings and court opinions, please consult official court documents or legal databases.