Warner Music Group faces a copyright lawsuit over unauthorized use of archival footage in their 2021 Tom Petty 'Wildflowers' documentary. The lawsuit was filed by filmmaker Martyn Atkins in a California federal court.

Key points of the lawsuit:

• Atkins shot the 16mm film footage during the creation of 'Wildflowers' and subsequent tour
• The footage was not under any work-for-hire agreement or licensed to Petty or Warner Music
• Around 1995, Petty offered to store Atkins' film reels in Warner Records' Los Angeles facility
• In 2014, Petty and Atkins discussed creating a documentary using this footage
• In early 2020, Atkins revealed the footage location to Petty's estate and was allegedly promised directorial role
• The documentary was made without Atkins' involvement or permission to use his footage
• Approximately half of the 90-minute documentary consists of Atkins' archival footage

Atkins is seeking:

• Damages
• Disgorgement
• Restitution
• Return of original film and audio materials

The case highlights the importance of proper licensing and permissions in documentary filmmaking, particularly when using archival footage.

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