Yesh Music, LLC v. Long Island Univ., 17-cv-5707 (E.D.N.Y.)
On September 29, 2017, Yesh Music, LLC, filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Long Island University (“LIU”) for the use of a musical work without permission or license. According to Yesh Music’s complaint, LIU used a song entitled “Call” as part of a promotional video posted on its YouTube page (since removed). Yesh Music is the recording label of the American Dollar Band and purchased the rights to “Call” in 2008. American Dollar Band’s music has been featured on TV shows such as CSI:Miami and film trailers such as Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.
Yesh alleged that it sent an email requesting LIU to take down the promotional video, which LIU ignored initially. Yesh then filed suit and claimed damages of at least $30,000 and up to $150,000. Although LIU never filed a response to the complaint, the parties settled the case on November 29, 2017. While the terms of the settlement agreement remain confidential, LIU did remove the video from YouTube, which used to be available. Yesh Music is no stranger to copyright litigation; it previously sued Google and Amazon for alleged copyright infringement.