This is the new MLex platform. Existing customers should continue to use the existing MLex platform until migrated.
For any queries, please contact Customer Services or your Account Manager. Dismiss

US judge sidesteps split over fraud requirement for copyright challenges

By Melissa Ritti ( March 27, 2025, 17:56 GMT | Insight) -- Allegations that Trax Records and other defendants surreptitiously secured copyright protection for the musical works of dozens of plaintiffs do not pass muster under the heightened pleading standard of Rule 9(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, a US judge ruled yesterday. He was able to reach his conclusion without deciding an issue which has divided courts around the country: whether invalidation under Section 411(b)(1) of the Copyright Act requires a showing of fraud. The US Supreme Court in 2020 agreed to hear a case which posed the question, but a post-grant change-of-framing by petitioner Unicolors Inc. left it unanswered.Allegations of fraud upon the US Copyright Office by Trax Records and others were dismissed yesterday following application of Rule 9(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to the claim....

Prepare for tomorrow’s regulatory change, today

MLex identifies risk to business wherever it emerges, with specialist reporters across the globe providing exclusive news and deep-dive analysis on the proposals, probes, enforcement actions and rulings that matter to your organization and clients, now and in the longer term.


Know what others in the room don’t, with features including:

  • Daily newsletters for Antitrust, M&A, Trade, Data Privacy & Security, Technology, AI and more
  • Custom alerts on specific filters including geographies, industries, topics and companies to suit your practice needs
  • Predictive analysis from expert journalists across North America, the UK and Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific
  • Curated case files bringing together news, analysis and source documents in a single timeline

Experience MLex today with a 14-day free trial.

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber? Click here to login

Related Sections