Defendants dismissed in suit over copyrighted song

Two defendants have been dismissed from a Port Arthur musician’s suit, which alleges his producer allegedly sold a copyrighted track without permission.

As previously reported, Michael Tilley filed suit against Paul Tisdale, Green Light Music, Young Money Records Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Music Group on June 20, 2012, in Jefferson Count District Court, seeking $50,000 in royalties.

Court records show that on May 23 Tilley filed a motion to dismiss his claims against Cash Money Records and Universal Music Group.

The next day, Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, dismissed the two companies with prejudice.

The lawsuit alleges that on March 13, 2010, Tilley entered into a recording contract with Tisdale and Green Light Music, wherein Tilley retained all rights to his copyrighted music.

A month later, Tisdale sought to sell a track to Young Money Records, but Tilley declined the deal. On June 26, 2010, Tilley discovered a video of a song he recorded and to which he owned the rights.

Tisdale breached his contract and owes Tilley $50,000 in previously earned commissions and royalties, the suit alleges.

Tilley alleges the defendants are unfairly profiting from the fruits of his musical talent.

He is suing for actual damages and attorney’s fees.

Beaumont attorney Gary Riebschlager of Brent Coon & Associates represents him.

Houston attorney Patricia Hair of Phelps Dunbar represents Cash Money Records and Universal Music Group.

Case No. D192-595