A federal judge in Louisiana has issued a groundbreaking ruling that U.S. copyright termination rules apply globally, potentially reshaping international music rights management. The case centers on songwriter Cyril Vetter's claim to the 1963 track "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)."

The ruling challenges traditional understanding of the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976's termination rights, which previously were thought to apply only within U.S. territories. Under the new interpretation, when authors exercise their termination rights, they regain copyright control worldwide.

Key Details of the Case:

• Song: "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)"
• Original Writers: Don Smith and Cyril Vetter (1962)
• Initial Sale: Rights sold to Windsong Music Publishers in 1963 for $1
• Copyright Renewal: 1994, extended for 28 years
• Current Dispute: Between Vetter and Resnik Music Group (who acquired rights from Windsong in 2019)

Resnik Music Group argues this ruling could disrupt the established international copyright system, where protection is typically governed by the laws of individual countries. They warn it could create a scenario where copyright ownership depends on a work's country of origin rather than territorial jurisdiction.

The case's timeline:

1. 1963: Original copyright sale
2. 1972: Smith's death (heirs later sold their share to Vetter)
3. 2019: Windsong sells rights to Resnik
4. 2022: Vetter exercises termination rights
5. Present: Awaiting potential appeal

This ruling's implications could fundamentally alter how music copyright ownership functions globally, though an appeal is likely forthcoming.

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