Famed Popstar "Prince" Files and Withdraws Copyright Suit. . . For Now: Prince Rogers Nelson v. Dan Chodera et al.
The recording artist Prince Rogers Nelson, popularly known as "Prince," dropped a copyright infringement suit he recently brought against 22 bloggers and Facebook users. Last Tuesday, less than two weeks after filing the complaint, Prince filed a motion to voluntarily dismiss the suit without issuing a statement as to why. But since the suit was dropped without prejudice, this may not be the last the Northern District hears from The Purple One on this matter.
On January 16, Prince filed a complaint in the Northern District alleging a variety of copyright related claims and seeking $1 million each in damages from 22 blog operators and Facebook users. Prince claimed that the defendants "typically publish posts that list all the songs performed at a certain Prince live show and then provide a link to a file-sharing service where unauthorized copies of the performance can be downloaded." He claimed that by using both Facebook and Google's Blogger forum, the defendants acted in concert to create "an interconnected network of bootleg distribution."
It was the use of these platforms that brought the case to the Northern District. Prince claimed that by using Facebook and Google, who are headquartered in the Northern District, the defendants "consummated transactions with residents of California and purposefully availed themselves of the privileges of conducting activities in California." Moreover, Prince claimed that the Northern District is the proper venue because both Facebook's and Google's terms and conditions state that all federal disputes must be resolved in the Northern District of California.
As of now the case is dead, but something tells me the "Controversy" is not over. (Sorry about the Prince pun, but I had to get at least one in there)
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