Gingrich asks judge to dismiss song lawsuit
Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed against him for allegedly violating copyrights by playing “Eye of the Tiger” at campaign events.
A defense filing in U.S. District Court in Chicago denies any wrongdoing and says recordings played of the “Rocky III” anthem constituted fair use. Monday's filing also raises jurisdictional issues.
The federal lawsuit filed recently by Rude Music Inc. contends Gingrich has used the song since 2009 to herald his arrival at public events.
It accuses Gingrich of using the song without permission from Frank Sullivan, who with Jim Peterik, composed the song and copyrighted it in 1982.
The lawsuit asks for an injunction to prevent Gingrich from using the song, as well as damages and attorneys' fees.