Trump Settles Electric Avenue Copyright Lawsuit with Eddy Grant

Trump Settles Electric Avenue Copyright Lawsuit with Eddy Grant

By Marcus Delano Thompson

November 22, 2024 at 02:18 AM

Donald Trump has settled a copyright infringement lawsuit with singer Eddy Grant over the unauthorized use of "Electric Avenue" in a 2020 campaign video. The settlement terms remain undisclosed.

Man singing into microphone on stage

Man singing into microphone on stage

Photo Credit: Eddy Grant by Stuart Sevastos / CC by 2.0

The lawsuit emerged after Trump's campaign posted an animated video mocking Joe Biden with "Electric Avenue" playing in the background, without obtaining proper licensing or permission. In September, US District Judge John Koetl found Trump liable for copyright infringement, with Grant initially seeking $300,000 plus legal fees.

Trump's legal team attempted to defend the usage as fair use for political commentary, but the judge rejected this argument, stating it was "a wholesale copying of music to accompany a political campaign ad."

This case joins a growing list of musical artists who have opposed Trump's use of their music, including:

  • ABBA
  • Celine Dion
  • Foo Fighters
  • Sinead O'Connor's estate
  • Johnny Marr (The Smiths)

Recently, Isaac Hayes' estate won a similar copyright case against Trump's campaign over the unauthorized use of "Hold On, I'm Coming." Conversely, Jack White's lawsuit regarding "Seven Nation Army" was dropped, though it could be refiled in the future.

Businessman checking phone with charts

Businessman checking phone with charts

Miley Cyrus singing on stage

Miley Cyrus singing on stage

Spotify audiobook screens with video features

Spotify audiobook screens with video features

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