Industry Ink: Copyright Society of the South, Team WEA, CMA

The Copyright Society of the South recently hosted its 18^th annual Copyright Year in Review luncheon featuring the Associate Professor of Music & Entertainment Industry Studies University at Colorado, Stan Soocher, J.D.

Soocher spoke to a standing room-only membership about cases including: Lady Gaga winning summary judgment in defending against the song, ‘Juda’; a case where there was no substantial similarity between a plaintiff’s rap song and Usher’s R&B song in Edwards v. Raymond, 13 Civ. 7985; and discussing the distinct acts of infringement at issue in a copyright suit over card game rights.

Pictured (L-R, front row): Denise Stevens, Treasurer of CSOS; Stan Soocher, Karl Braun, CSOS board member (back row) – John Barker, Chairman of CSOS, Jill Napier, Vice Chairman of CSOS, Kele Currier, Secretary of CSOS. Photo: Kathryn Graham

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Blake Nixon

Team WEA has welcomed Blake Nixon as the team’s new Promotion coordinator. The Brentwood, Tenn., native is a Belmont University graduate, and previously served as an account representative for three years with Word Entertainment.

His prior experience also includes event promotion for WSM radio and interning for UMG’s radio promotion team. He replaces Stephanie Holzer, was was recently promoted to the role of Southwest Regional Manager.

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Zach and Colton Swon of The Swon Brothers recently visited the Country Music Association to entertain the staff.

Pictured (L-R): Brandi Simms (Senior Director of Membership and Balloting), Sarah Trahern (Chief Executive Officer), Zach Swon, Colton Swon (The Swon Brothers) and Greg Hill (CEO of Hill Entertainment Group), Brenden Oliver, Membership and Balloting Coordinator and Carrie Tekautz, Membership and Balloting Assistant.