Yesterday, Judge Rakoff dismissed claims that Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” infringed on the short film “Palinoia” through similarities in images, audio, and “total concept and feel.”  According to the plaintiff, elements such as a character with his or her head down near a wall with graffiti (elements that appear in scenes from both films, though with many other differences between the shots) are are protectable under the copyright laws.

Judge Rakoff disagreed, and found that the elements of “Palinoia” allegedly infringed upon were unprotectable ideas:
Continue Reading Judge Rakoff, with Nod to Taylor Swift, Dismisses Copyright Claims Against Beyoncé’s “Lemonade”

Yesterday, Grammy Award-winning artist Beyoncé filed a complaint against Feyonce Inc., a Texas-based company whose products include plays on Beyoncé’s name and song lyrics.  According to the complaint, Feyonce’s products are strikingly similar to those bearing Beyoncé’s name:

Feyonce Complaint Image CropThe complaint alleges that Feyonce products infringe on trademarks and misappropriate Beyoncé’s superstar status without permission.  The