Why is the Michael Jackson Estate Suing ABC/Disney?

Disney and ABC may have used songs without proper permission during a recent television special.

Did you watch the special “The Last Days of Michael Jackson”?

I did not, but if you did, then you may have witnessed the improper use of song and music video material.

How so?

According to a recent Fox News article titled “Michael Jackson's estate sues ABC, Disney over 'Last Days' TV special,” the estate of Michael Jackson brought a lawsuit against Disney and ABS listing at least 30 violations.

Why?

The special apparently used excerpts from several songs and music videos illegally.

Disney and ABC claim they are vindicated because it was a "journalistic" piece.

The lawsuit claims there is no merit in this defense.

The estate also claims Disney received and ignored a number of warnings before the show was aired.

The estate is seeking an injunction against further use of the intellectual property of the Michael Jackson estate as well as unspecified damages.

Intellectual property is an especially important and valuable asset to the estates of creative individuals.

Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When making your financial, tax and estate plans, do not go it alone. Be sure to engage competent professional counsel.

For more information about estate planning in Overland Park, KS (and throughout the rest of Kansas and Missouri), visit our estate planning website and be sure to subscribe to our complimentary estate planning e-newsletter while you are there.

Reference: Fox News (June 1, 2018) “Michael Jackson's estate sues ABC, Disney over 'Last Days' TV special”