Pioneering rapper Schoolly D and The Cartoon Network are being accused of copyright violations over the theme song to Cartoon Network's hit
series Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
In a lawsuit filed Nov. 7 with U.S. District Court in Eastern Pennsylvania, Terrence Yerves claimed that he co-authored the untitled song with Schoolly D in 1999, while recording at the Meat Locker recording studio in Philadelphia.
The lawsuit also alleged that Schoolly D failed to tell the Cartoon Network that the theme song was derived from their earlier work and that the "defendants falsely filed for copyright protection on the show knowing that Plaintiff's music enjoys copyright protection, even though the Plaintiff did not register such protection until May 16, 2006."
Yerves, a drummer, said he was instrumental in the creation of the song, which is used as the opening and closing theme to Aqua Teen Hunger Force, which debuted on the Cartoon Network in December 2000.
The musician also claimed he contributed the percussion, rhythm and drums at the request of Schoolly D., who released classic Hip-Hop singles like "PSK," "Gucci Time," "Cheeba Cheeba" and "Parkside 5 2."
Yerves also said he has an official song copyright, which was filed with the Library of Congress in May 2006, and that Schoolly D has no official ownership over the theme to Aqua Teen Hunger Force's theme.
Yerves, also from Philadelphia, admits to knowing the song would be used in conjunction with a television show but claims he did not give consent to the Cartoon Network to use the song for Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
He is seeking at least $150,000 per infringement after the date of registration of the official copyright date.
An injunction is also being sought, seeking the "impounding of all copies of the show on DVD and to order the defendants to cease and desist from further broadcasting of the show, which is in violation of Plaintiff's copyright."
Aqua Teen Hunger Force is also being made into a full length movie. Also named in the lawsuit is Time Warner and Turner Broadcasting System.
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Michael Jackson and will.I.Am teamed up in Ireland recently in an apparent effort to resuscitate Jackson's musical career.
A longtime Jackson fan, will.I.am said he was shocked when he received a call from Jackson.
"I was like 'No, stop playing around,'" Will.I.am told Access Hollywood. "I didn't know it [was Michael Jackson]. I thought somebody was joking."
Jackson is presently holed up in an Irish Estate outside of Dublin, called the Stone Manor, where he is recording the album.
"I think he's doing wonderful, innovative, positive music," will.I.am continued. "I thought it would be interesting to collaborate to see how the chemistry works."
Jackson has already chosen a single, which will.I.am claims will restore the 48-year-old pop star's relevance. "It's a club banger...that's what they call that one," will.I.am said.
In related news, Jackson will give a rare performance of his hit song "Thriller" during the World Music Awards Nov. 15 in London.
The singer will be awarded with a Diamond Award for selling over 100 million albums.
Thriller has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and contains several hit singles, including "PYT," "Beat It" and "Billie Jean."
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